U.S. Army holds open house in celebration of its 237th birthday

By Sgt. 1st Class Christopher DeHartJune 14, 2012

Living history
1 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas - Soldiers in historical Army uniforms stand together in front of the Clock tower in U.S. Army North's historic Quadrangle grounds at the U.S. Army Open House June 14 as part of Fort Sam Houston's celebration of the Army's 237... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Medic Stryker
2 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas - Grace Cage, a retired Army veteran, helps her daughter Brooklyn, 1, along with her oldest son, John, 16, into the back of a M1133 Medical Evacuation Vehicle belonging to the 32nd Medical Brigade, U.S. Army Medical Department... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Clock tower
3 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas - A family visits the iconic Clock tower at the U.S. Army Open House in Army North's historic Quadrangle grounds June 14 as part of Fort Sam Houston's celebration of the Army's 237th Birthday.
(U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Clas... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army)
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Streamers
4 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas - Soldiers in period uniforms prepare to place the campaign streamers on the U.S. Army Flag at the Army North Open House and Retreat Ceremony June 14 as part of Fort Sam Houston's celebration of the Army's 237th Birthday.
(U.S... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army)
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Retreat
5 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas - Soldiers with Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, U.S. Army North, fold the Army Colors for the Retreat ceremony in Army North's historic Quadrangle grounds June 14 as part of Fort Sam Houston's celebration of the Army'... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

By Sgt. 1st Class Christopher DeHart

Army North PAO

FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas - A remarkable day of celebration was made more momentous with the opening of the historic Quadrangle to the San Antonio and Fort Sam Houston military and civilian communities June 14.

U.S. Army commands at Fort Sam Houston held an open house for all to come and join in the celebration of the Army's 237th birthday following a first ever run to the Alamo. The run consisted of more than 1,500 troops within the various Fort Sam Houston Army commands and units.

After the trek to the Alamo for cake and the more traditional honoring of the flag, the community at large was invited to come to the Quad to get a chance to see more of what the Army commands here are all about and the role they play in continuing to maintain the community spirit.

"This was our first chance to get out here but it was awesome," said Grace Cage, a retired Army veteran who took all four of her children, from ages 1 to 16, to the open house to see the different displays and enjoy the festivities. "We really enjoyed the animals and everything else here today."

Many who manned the various displays said they had a great time getting to see so many people come out, look around and just enjoy a lovely and temperate day.

"People really appreciate that the Army is out there and ready to protect them," said Sgt. 1st Class Yvonne DeFosses, communications noncommissioned officer in charge, Task Force 51, Army North, and native of New Braunfels, Texas. "I'm proud of the Army and enjoy telling people about my job and our mission as part of their all-hazards task force."

The celebration was concluded with a Retreat ceremony, consisting of the addition of all the Army Flag's streamers by Soldiers in period uniforms who represented each conflict in American history. After the streamers were added, the colors were retired.

Lt. Gen. William Caldwell IV, Army North commanding general and senior commander for Fort Sam Houston and Camp Bullis. spoke to those who were present as a testament to what the day was truly all about -- remembering the Soldiers who served for the past 237 years.

"The real strength of your Army doesn't lie in weapons, or trucks, or aircraft … it lies in our Soldiers … your Soldiers," he said.