Born out of the smoke from Lexinton, Concord and Breed’s Hill, the U.S. Army has fought to defend American liberties even before there was an America. In 1775 the men who battled against a disciplined British army were little more than a rabble. By comparison, today’s soldiers are without peer – their capabilities and performance are unmatched in the history of the world. But these two armies, separated by 234 years, share a common trait – their soldiers all volunteered to serve their country.
They also share a common heritage with the men and women who fought all of America’s great wars – the War of 1812, the Civil War, the World Wars, Korea, Vietnam, and the lesser-known conflicts in between – they are always there, always vigilant, and always ready.
Today, the image of the soldier is two-fold. If you are the enemy, the sight of an American soldier makes your blood run cold. You know that if you persist, only death and destruction await you. On the other hand, if you are an innocent civilian in a war-torn land, a U.S. Army uniform represents something entirely different. It represents hope and safety. The Army’s mission of defending the defenseless was forged in the backroads of Massachusetts, and honed through 234 years of combat against the world’s most brutal despots and tyrants. Consequently, you know that beneath the digital camoflauge is a warrior with the heart of a lion, but with the compassion of a saint.
It is this dual image that makes the American soldier so unique in the world. And it is the American soldier that makes the world a better place. As Orwell famously stated, “We sleep soundly in our beds because rough men stand ready in the night to visit violence on those who would do us harm.â€
Those rough men wear Army green. Happy birthday, Army!
The Army’s birthday is June 14th.
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