Happy Birthday, U.S. Army!

By JFHQ-NCR/MDW Public Affairs and The Office of the Chief of Army Public AffairsJune 12, 2015

Happy Birthday, U.S. Army!
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

Two hundred forty years ago on June 14, 1775, America's Army was founded when our nation's leaders established the Continental Army. Today, the Army is the strategic landpower of the joint force; called upon to prevent, shape and win against our adversaries.

This year's celebration focuses on 240 years of selfless service to the nation. Selfless service is at the core of what it means to be a Soldier - putting the welfare of others ahead of oneself. The willingness of our Soldiers - to place themselves in harm's way and to protect our nation's freedoms - is what makes the Army the premier all-volunteer force.

The Army continues to serve the United States with extraordinary Soldiers, Families and Civilians, who display exceptional character in defense of our nation. The Soldiers of the Continental Army helped forge a bond with Americans built on duty and victory, which sustains our profession 240 years later. As we answer the nation's call, we remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in our fight for freedom.

Here is what the Army's senior leaders say about the Army's 240th birthday:

Secretary of the Army John McHugh

For more than 240 years, our Army has served America with extraordinary Soldiers, Families and Civilians who are committed to selfless service. Today, we celebrate the competence, character and professionalism of these Soldiers - past and present - who make up our nation's premier, all-volunteer Army. On this very special day, on behalf of a grateful nation, we'd like to wish all of you a very Happy Birthday.

Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Raymond T. Odierno

On our Army's 240th birthday, we remember who we are, Soldiers -- America's trusted professionals. Happy Birthday, United States Army!

Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Daniel B. Allyn

We celebrate 240 years of selfless service to the nation on June 14th, 2015. I'm excited to share in this celebration with an institution that continues to transform itself to meet the needs of our great democracy and still remains the rock of stability in an unpredictable world, we can all be very proud of our Army as we deliver the best trained, best lead and most capable land forces in our history, while developing leaders of incredible competence enduring commitment and extraordinary character to lead in the defense of our nation. Happy Army birthday. God bless you and Army strong.

Sergeant Major of the Army Daniel A. Dailey

Throughout this nation's history, millions of men and women have fought for our freedoms. Today is no different, as we have over 140,000 Soldiers deployed or forward stationed protecting our nation's freedoms. Happy Birthday, United States Army!

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Happy Birthday Army! From Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Daniel B. Allyn (video)

Happy Birthday Army! From Secretary of the Army John McHugh (video)

Happy Birthday Army! From Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Raymond T. Odierno and Sergeant Major of the Army Daniel A. Dailey (video)