White Sands Missile Range celebrated the Army’s 250th birthday with a cake cutting ceremony June 12 at Headquarters.
The U.S. Army’s 250th birthday celebration will honor the sacrifices, achievements, and true spirit of American warriors through three distinct categories: Heroes, Legacy, and Nostalgia, as stated in the Army website.
WSMR Commander Brig. Gen. George Turner, WSMR Command Sgt. Maj. Hermes Acevedo and WSMR's youngest Soldier Pvt. Makenah Garbulinski did the honors of cutting the cake.
Turner said this year’s theme for the Army birthday is “This We’ll Defend.”
“When we started out in 1775 it meant defending the 13 colonies, in 1776 it meant defending the United States, and ten years later it meant defending the Constitution,” Turner said. “We fast forward to 2025 and “This We’ll Defend” means defend Ukraine, defend NATO, defend Guam. It also means defend the network, defend against human trafficking, defend wildfires, hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods. It also means to defend the moon and space.”
Since its official establishment on June 14, 1775 - more than a year before the Declaration of Independence – the U.S. Army has played a vital role in the growth and development of the American nation. Drawing on both long-standing militia traditions and recently introduced professional standards, it won the new republic’s independence in an arduous eight-year struggle against Great Britain. At times, the Army provided the lone symbol of nationhood around which patriots rallied.
Older than the nation it defends, the U.S. Army has made a difference in the history and founding of America. This year we are celebrating how America’s Army has challenged, empowered, and equipped our Soldiers, because “Be All You Can Be” is more than just a slogan, it’s the Army way of life.
“Over the year’s “This We’ll Defend” has changed in its concept but the one thing that has been consistent is the American Soldier,” Turner said. “This We’ll Defend” cannot and will not happen without the American Soldier. So, to all the women and men who have served thank you for your service and to all the women and men who are in uniform thank you for your service.”
“This We’ll Defend” has been the Army’s motto since the Revolutionary War. It reminds us that our purpose is timeless and clear: to fight and win our Nation’s wars. When our Army hits the dirt, America means business. Our teammates don’t want to fight without us, and our enemies are wise to fear us. We are not a Pacific Army or a Europe Army. We are not Brigade-centric or Division-centric. We are a global force that fights when called upon at the scale required.
To do that, we must stay grounded and dedicate our energy in four focus areas: Warfighting, Delivering Ready Combat Formation, Continuous Transformation and Strengthening the Profession.
WSMR will continue the celebration at the Army Ball on June 14.
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