Happy Birthday, U.S. Army

"When We are Needed, We are There"

Today the United States Army is 245 years old, the oldest and most senior branch of the U.S. military, and older than the nation it serves. On June 14, 1775 the first Continental Congress created the Continental Army – the force we know today as the U.S. Army – to protect our young nation against Britain’s seasoned professionals. Today, the proud men and women of the U.S. Army continue preserving peace and security and providing for the defense of the United States.

“The fate of unborn millions will now depend, under God, on the courage and conduct of this army.” – General George Washington

In early 1775, our fledgling nation and its 13 colonies were about to confront British troops near Boston when the Continental Congress convened to address the emerging military situation. Although some delegates wished for reconciliation, they eventually formalized our war for independence when they established the Continental Army.

Among presidents with military service, most (24) served in the U.S. Army. One, Teddy Roosevelt, was awarded the Medal of Honor.

On June 14, the Continental Congress authorized the formation of ten companies of expert riflemen and $2M to support them. They also directed the companies to immediately march to Boston to support the New England militia. On the next day, Congress appointed George Washington as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army. General Washington formally took command at Boston on July 3, 1775.

The Army is bigger than you think. If it were a city, it would be the 10th largest in the nation; just over 1 million Soldiers are currently serving.

The courage and conduct of the Continental Army made this nation free, and for 245 years of continuous service to the great nation, our Army has honored that legacy by protecting this Nation and the rights of the American people. This heritage is embodied in the memory of all who have proudly worn the uniform, and with those who are currently responding to freedom’s call around the world. Today’s Army has evolved and grown into the world’s premier fighting force.

In combat, peacetime and training, the U.S. Army is constantly on the move. Every day, Soldiers are performing combat missions, enforcing the peace and training new Soldiers for future conflicts.

From its humble beginnings as an amateur force of colonial troops, cobbled together from various militia, to its status today as the most formidable fighting force in the world, its stature relies on the contributions of its Soldiers. Those in her ranks today serve proudly, faithfully and selflessly. They demonstrate competence, commitment, and character in defense of our nation by willingly placing themselves in harm’s way to protect our nation’s freedom.They remain committed to upholding the Army Values, serving with honor and making a difference in communities throughout the nation.

"It is the soldier, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech." - Zell Miller

Its creation in 1775 may have been modest, but even then, and certainly ever since, our Army has influenced the nation and the world. It was established before the Declaration of Independence was signed and before the Continental Congress approved the design for the first U.S. flag. Therefore, there is a deep and powerful bond between the Army, the flag and the nation. Today we celebrate the 245th Birthday of the U.S. Army which represents the very best of everything we hold dear as Americans, such as liberty, freedom, and honor.

“The cost of freedom has been paid for with the blood of American men and women who have served and died for our great country. Every day we should thank God they have never failed us.” – Jon R. Cavaiani, U.S. Army, Medal of Honor

Koch VETS salute every Soldier – active, guard and reserve, Army Civilian and Veteran to celebrate one of our nation’s most vaunted institutions and the fiercest fighters anywhere in the world. Happy Birthday, U.S. Army.