Before the American colonies even made their declaration of independence, the Second Continental Congress gathered together in Philadelphia 239 years ago to formally create a standing Army.
Many decades later, generations of foresighted Army leaders slowly transformed the Army into the modern professional entity of which we are members today.
Now the Army is more than 530,000 Soldiers strong, made up of valiant men and women from all walks of life, who dedicate themselves to the service of their Nation.
"From the revolutionary war to the global war on terror, our Soldiers remain Army strong, with a deep commitment to our core values and beliefs," said Hazen Baron, master of ceremonies for the U.S. Army Alaska's Army Birthday Ball. "Willingness to sacrifice to build a better future for others, both here and abroad, and to preserve our way of life is without a doubt, the strength of our nation."
"This 239th birthday commemorates America's Army, Soldiers, families and civilians, who are achieving a level of excellence that is truly Army strong," he said.
The evening began with ceremonial toasts by the leadership from each major command, followed by the traditional cake cutting performed by U.S. Army Alaska's Commanding General, Maj. Gen. Michael Shields and Command Sgt. Maj. Terry Gardner along with U.S. Army Alaska Non-commissioned Officer of the Year, Staff Sgt. Adam White ,and U.S. Army Alaska Soldier of the Year Pfc. Bryant Sheehy,.
After dinner, Shields introduced the guest speaker, the Honorable Sean Parnell, Alaska state governor.
"My father was a young enlisted guy when he got the assignment to come to Anchorage, AL - that is what the orders said - and he told his mom he was going to Alabama. He gets on the plane in southern California and gets off in Fort Lewis, Wash., and realizes he went North instead of East, so he called home and a said 'please send whatever gloves you can find, I need winter gear,'" said Parnell.
"The bottom line is, his two years of service here opened his eyes to the opportunity Alaska could be for him and later his family," he said. "This land of opportunity is for you. Alaska wants Army strong, arctic warriors. When you are done (with your service), you please come back - we want people like you."
Parnell closed with thanking the servicemen and women for their service and assured them that they would always have a home, here, in Alaska.
The evening capped off with the retirement the colors and guests hitting the dance floor for a night of dancing and meeting new friends.
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