Fort Huachuca, Arizona - On June 14, 1775, the nation's leaders established the Continental Army, and on June 14 the Army and Team Huachuca celebrated its 241st birthday honoring the American Soldier as part of the Army Total Force focusing on The American Soldier -- Always Ready, Always Leading.
The day began with a run, followed by various cake-cutting ceremonies and a birthday meal, open to the public, at the Thunderbird and Weinstein Dining Facilities.
Those who assembled on Warrior/Sentinel Field around sunrise were greeted by a flag display, and colors carried by Soldiers dressed in Army uniforms representing different periods of U.S. military history.
Maj. Gen. John B. Morrison, Jr., commander, Network Enterprise Technology Command (NETCOM), opened the Army Birthday celebration by speaking to the Soldiers and others on the field.
"Today I salute each and every one of you for your service to the greatest nation on this earth. Over 20 million veterans built a legacy of service before us," he said, and invited those assembled to give the veterans a big round of applause. "So today on the Army's Birthday, I salute YOU -- for your service, for your dedication, for your professionalism, for doing what Americans do -- serving each other, serving a greater good. My hat is off to each and every one of you. It's an honor to serve on your team. God bless each and every one of you, and God bless the United States of America. Happy birthday and congratulations!
"Team Huachuca, ATTENTION!" he cried, and the Soldiers, Airmen, Marines Sailors, Family Members and Civilians departed on their 2.5 mile Army Birthday celebratory run to earn a slice of the Army's birthday cake afterward.
Following the physical activity, invocation and singing of the "Army Song," Morrison presided over the cake-cutting ceremony. Pvt. Carson Maxwell, 111th Military Intelligence Brigade, 17, the youngest Soldier present, and Chief Warrant Officer 3 Richard Secor, 304th MI Battalion, 56, the oldest Soldier present, joined Boone, Command Sgt. Maj. Stephfon Watson, NETCOM command sergeant major, and Command Sgt. Maj. Thomas J. Latter, U.S. Army Intelligence Center of Excellence command sergeant major, in cutting the Army birthday cake, traditionally symbolizing the Army's past, present and future.
Next, Boone spoke.
"The Soldier is the Army, and the Army is no better than its Soldiers," Boone said. "For over 241 years, our Soldiers, Civilians and Family Members remain committed to our national defense. Let us not forget who we fight and why we fight.
"Two hundred and forty one years ago, Americans decided to come together and stand up for our rights and ideals. Today, young Americans continue to do the same. Throughout our 241 years, Soldiers have been ready to deploy and fight in a complex environment. We serve as a total force, Active, Guard and Reserve from all walks of life. [Soldiers] will continue to make the Army even better, and that's your charge today.
"Though the times are uncertain and in a difficult environment, American Soldiers show physical, psychological and spiritual readiness just as we did in 1775. So happy birthday to our Army, and happy birthday to YOU.
"Army Strong!"
Today's Army is the strategic land power of the joint force and the Soldiers are trained and ready to engage the nation's enemies in conventional, asymmetrical, or full spectrum combat operations. The Army's number one priority is combat readiness according to the Army publication, Stand-To!
The American Soldier today -
• Has the opportunity to serve in any occupational specialty based on individual capabilities and Army needs.
• Trains, deploys, engages, and destroys enemies of the United States in combat operations as the world's premier land force.
• Serves as the cornerstone of the Army Profession and maintains the trust and confidence of the American people while adding to the Army's 241 years of selfless service.
• Is part of a Total Force of worldwide professionals from all walks of life.
• Is ready to deploy, fight and win in a complex world.
• Understands the importance of readiness and resilience. Leaders take care of others, foster an environment of trust, and ensure Soldiers, Army Civilians, and Families treat themselves and others with dignity and respect.
American Soldiers are Soldiers for Life. The Army will continue to support Soldiers in educational, credentialing and healthcare services while in uniform and stay connected after service to ensure Soldiers remain aware of available Army programs, services, and resources. Soldiers will remain invaluable members of civilian communities, and bring with them attributes that make them great leaders, professionals, and team members in any organization, the publication said.
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