On June 14, 1775, the Continental Congress created the Continental Army to secure our Nation's independence and defend our new republic. For 238 years, the Army has been the Strength of the Nation, with generations of America’s most precious treasures stepping forward proudly - as Soldiers and Army Civilians - to defend those freedoms, as well as those of our friends and allies.
Today, the Army is engaged in a struggle against an adaptive and determined enemy. Every American should be proud as their Army celebrates its 238th birthday in the month of June. To defeat this threat and prepare for those of the future, the Army continues to restore balance to a force strained by war. Americans should be proud of the strength of the nation that the Army represents. Today many Soldiers are deployed around the world defending our Nation. This all-volunteer force serves conscientiously regardless of numerous deployments and minimal dwell times. Since the tragic day on September 11, the force continues to deploy around the globe to take our nations fight against the enemy on their homeland so we don’t have to fight them here.
When the American Revolution broke out, the rebellious colonies did not possess an army in the modern sense. Rather, the revolutionaries fielded an amateur force of colonial troops, cobbled together from various New England militia companies. In the spring of 1775, this "army" was about to confront British troops near Boston, Massachusetts.
The revolutionaries had to re-organize their forces quickly if they were to stand a chance against Britain's seasoned professionals so they enlisted all seaboard colonies, the Massachusetts Provincial Congress appealed to the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia to assume authority for the New England army Money was allocated to support the decision and companies of expert riflemen from Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia, were directed to march to Boston to support the New England militia.
From the Revolutionary War to the current operations taking place around the world, our Soldiers remain Army Strong with a deep commitment to core values and beliefs. This 238th birthday month commemorates America’s Army – Soldiers, Families and Civilians – who are achieving a level of excellence that is truly Army Strong. Being Army Strong goes beyond physical endurance and mental readiness. It encompasses an unconquerable spirit, and high ethical and moral values. These are not only desirable traits in a person, but in a Nation that wishes to live up to the ideals and vision of its founders.
