FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. — On June 14, we celebrate the United States Army’s birthday. 247 years ago, the Second Continental Congress approved the formation of the Continental Army to unite the armies raised by the New England colonies following the Battle of Lexington and Concord. The Continental Congress also approved recruiting troops from the other colonies to form the 1st Continental Regiment. On June 15, 1775, George Washington was unanimously elected by congress to serve as commander-in-chief of the newly-formed Army.
June 14 also marks National Flag Day, when the Continental Congress united the 13 colonies under the same banner by adopting the flag of the United States in 1777.
Over the past 247 years, Soldiers have stood ready to defend our nation’s freedoms through any challenge, foreign or domestic. Soldiers today remain prepared to serve in any operation — they are trained, disciplined, fit and part of a cohesive team that is stronger together. The Army’s greatest strength is our people. So, this Army birthday, we celebrate our Soldiers, families and civilians, along with our communities, who support us each day.
Fort Leonard Wood has several events occurring on June 14 to celebrate the Army’s birthday. At 5:30 a.m., service members will conduct an installation-wide run starting from Gammon Field. At 9 a.m., we will host a nine-hole golf scramble at Piney Valley Golf Course. At 2:45 p.m., there will be a cake-cutting ceremony, followed by a concert by the 399th Army Band in the MSCoE Plaza. We will end the day at 4:30 p.m. with the lowering of the flag and the playing of Retreat. At 7 a.m. on June 16, the Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation will host an Army Birthday Fun Run/Walk, beginning at the Daugherty Bowling Alley.
Happy birthday, to all our U.S. Army! We are proud to serve with each of you on America’s greatest team!
Victory Starts Here… Victory Through Skill!
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