Fort Knox keeps pace with Army’s 249th Birthday celebrations

By Eric PilgrimJune 14, 2024

Editor's Note: For more photos of the Fort Knox celebration, go to the official Flickr page at Fort Knox keeps pace with Army’s 249th Birthday celebrations | Flickr.

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Fort Knox keeps pace with Army’s 249th Birthday celebrations
Several Soldiers from across Fort Knox ushered in the U.S. Army’s 249th Birthday June 14, 2024 with a mass run. (Photo Credit: Eric Pilgrim, Fort Knox News) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT KNOX, Ky. — A mass formation of troops on Fort Knox’s Brooks Parade Field rendered respect to the U.S. flag being hoisted over U.S. Army Cadet Command headquarters June 14.

Shortly afterward the Soldiers, from several tenant units, prepared to set off on a traditional run in celebration of the U.S. Army’s 249th birthday. Three Blackhawk helicopters from Army Reserve Aviation Command appeared over the trees and passed overhead before turning and hovering on the outskirts of the formation.

“Forward, MARCH!” echoed across the ranks as each unit peeled off to the right and followed the one in front of them, met by a clear morning sky and gentle breeze.

A few minutes before, Maj. Gen. Johnny Davis, commanding general of U.S. Army Recruiting Command and Fort Knox, had wished all the Soldiers a happy Army birthday and thanked them for joining in the celebration.

“Let’s get this party started!” yelled Davis over the noise of the helicopters. “Happy Birthday! It’s good to see everybody. Love you all. Let’s have a great United States Army run, HOOAH?”

Fort Knox keeps pace with Army’s 249th Birthday celebrations
(from left) Steven Laick, AUSA Fort Knox Chapter president, Maj. Gen. Johnny Davis, commanding general of U.S. Army Recruiting Command and Fort Knox, and Command Sgt. Maj. Shade Munday, senior noncommissioned officer at USAREC, cut the cake in Saber & Quill during a celebration of the U.S. Army’s 249th Birthday. (Photo Credit: Eric Pilgrim, Fort Knox News) VIEW ORIGINAL

Besides the run, Fort Knox also celebrated the day with the cutting of two birthday cakes and an after-hours party outside of the Saber and Quill.