FORT STEWART, Ga. - Hundreds of Soldiers, Families, Army Civilians, community members and veterans commemorated the Army’s 236th birthday, June 14 at Fort Stewart’s Marne Garden. The United States Army marked another year of defending our nation and living up to the ideals of its founders.
In his keynote address, Maj. Gen. Robert Abrams, commanding general, 3rd Infantry Division, said “Today is more than a celebration of our institution, it’s a celebration of our history, heritage and our people … the Army’s story is America’s story.”
After opening music performed by the 3rd ID Band, Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Robert Whitlock, 3rd ID chaplain, set the tone for the ceremony with a moving invocation highlighting the selfless service of Army Soldiers.
“Lord throughout our history you have blessed this nation with men and women dedicated to freedom…they are willing to lay their lives on the line to defend freedom,” said Lt. Col. Whitlock. “Make us strong yet gentle, fierce but not cruel…faithful to friends, lethal to our enemies and always proud of service to you, our great Nation and the world.”
While the history of the Army was read by the narrator, 181 streamers were fastened atop the Army flag by Fort-Stewart-Hunter Army Airfield Division Command Sgt. Maj. Edd Watson.
Soldiers, dressed in period uniforms, proudly took position on the grass just behind the adorned Army flag.
“You can’t help but be motivated after watching 181 streamers get put on the Army post,” Maj. Gen. Abrams said. “Since 1775 American Soldiers have been the strength of the Nation.”
During his program remarks, Maj. Gen. Abrams addressed key principles that support his command philosophy.
“…Today our Army consists of trained professionals committed to earning the trust of the American people everyday… expects only the highest ethical conduct both on and off the battle field,” Maj. Gen. Abrams said.
During his final comments, Maj. Gen. Abrams expressed how Families are vital to the Army’s readiness.
“Army Family Members have been crucial to our success as an Army … we couldn’t do what we do without them,” said Maj. Gen. Abrams. “They are the backbone support network for our Soldiers.”
Following his remarks, Major General Abrams and Command Sgt. Maj. Watson were joined by the oldest and youngest 3rd Infantry Division Soldiers, 58-year-old Chief Warrant Officer John Alfsen and 18-year-old Pvt. Abelardo Gonzalez, in cutting the ceremonial cake.
Chief Warrant Officer Alfsen, a Florida native, joined the Army in 1972 and is privileged to have visited countries like Korea, Germany and recently, Egypt.
The youngest Marne Soldier, Pvt. Gonzalez, said ever since he was a kid he always wanted to join the Army.
While America’s Army turned one year older, sacrifices made by the men and women in uniform resonated throughout the event.
World War II Veteran Clinton Henry, who served 25 years in the Army and two years in the Navy, received recognition by both Maj. Gen. Abrams and many active-duty Soldiers.
Sergeant. Major Sheldon Chandler, Division Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, said of these veterans "We must serve a life worthy of their sacrifice."
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