Happy Birthday to the U.S. Army
By Rep. Lynn Westmoreland
June 14, 2012
Two hundred and thirty-seven years ago, facing tyranny and injustice by the hands of a government thousands of miles away, the Second Continental Congress authorized the formation of ten companies of riflemen in the spring of 1776. Since that time, from the "Shot heard 'round the world" at Concord, Massachusetts, to the ongoing battles in Afghanistan, the United States Army has been protecting and defending our freedoms and helping to preserve democracy for the entire world.
On behalf of everyone in the Third Congressional District, Joan and I would like to wish the Army a very happy 237th birthday! You know, the US Army is one of the largest, most successful, most well-equipped land forces in the world, and marking another year of their success should give anyone cause to celebrate. Since 1918, Fort Benning has been a key component of the Army, and today is the Maneuver Center of Excellence and home of the Armor and Infantry. I have proudly represented Fort Benning since I came to Congress and can tell you first hand just how amazing the men and women who make up the US Army really are. I would also like to use this occasion to thank the family members of everyone serving in the US Army, and across our military for that matter, for their support and sacrifice which helps our fighting men and women accomplish their missions.
Currently over 700,000 Soldiers continue the rich traditions of the United States Army by serving in over 100 countries throughout the world. And Fort Benning is home to over 27,000 of those active duty soldiers, while the total base population is closer to 108,000, including active duty, reserve and retired soldiers, and their families.
Today almost 7,000 veterans, many from the US Army, call the Third Congressional District home, and I could not be more proud to represent each and every one of them. Through their sacrifice, and that of their active duty brethren, the US Army has been able to maintain a tradition of excellence for over two centuries, and I have no doubt it will continue for generations to come.
Happy Birthday.