Yongsan celebrates Army's 233rd birthday

By USAG-Yongsan Public AffairsJune 13, 2008

Yongsan celebrates Army's 233rd birthday
YONGSAN GARRISON, Republic of Korea - U.S. Army Garrison-Yongsan Commander Col. Dave Hall reads "Happy Birthday U.S. Army" to children June 13 at the Yongsan Child Development Center, one of several Yongsan activities celebrating the Army's 233rd bir... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

<b>YONGSAN GARRISON, Republic of Korea</b> - U.S. Army Garrison-Yongsan leaders today marked the U.S. Army's 233rd birthday celebration with children at the Yongsan Child Development Center, reading the Army's new children's birthday book and cutting a specially designed cake.

U.S. Army Garrison-Yongsan Commander Col. Dave Hall and Command Sgt. Major Ralph Rusch sat down with more than 100 toddlers and pre-schoolers to share the Army's history through a book titled "Happy Birthday U.S. Army."

The illustrated book, less than 25 pages, tells the Army's history through a narrative of a young boy who talks about the similarities between his family and the Army family. It brings in examples of how the Army has evolved, using pictures and graphics to reference such contributions as The Buffalo Soldiers and showing the multiculturalism of Army Soldiers and its workforce.

"We want the children to understand how important it is that their parents are serving their country and to let them know that we are an Army Family," Hall said. "We also want to educate the children that when their parents are deployed, the Army will keep them safe, they will be in good hands, and we will take care of them."

Sgt. Janice Fevrier, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 304th Signal Battalion, said she is confident her 3-year-old son will be in good hands when she deploys.

"I am very comfortable and very pleased with the care they give the children," she said of the CDC. "I just love how they teach the children responsibility and how they take care of them."

The Yongsan community also celebrated the Army's birthday with an early morning 5K Fun Run sponsored by 8th U.S. Army. Later in the afternoon, Child and Youth Services held a birthday party and barbecue at the Middle School Center for school-age children.

These events were part of activities occurring on Army installations worldwide that included children in the birthday celebrations, to include reading the book.

The book was written by Army Child and Youth Services employees to show children Army history, the contributions of their military parents, and how important they are to the Army Family.

"We're very proud to have you here," Hall told the children after reading the book. "This is a special day. We are proud of our U.S. Army Family, and we are proud to take care of you."

Related Links:

Slideshow: Yongsan Celebrates Army's 233rd Birthday

233rd U.S. Army Birthday

USAG-Yongsan Flickr Photo Site

See More Book Reading Photos

USAG-Yongsan Official Site