"Blessed to live in
the land of the free, you could have opted for an easier path. But you know
that freedom is not free. And so you volunteered and you stepped forward, and
you raised your hand and you took an oath - to protect and defend; to serve a
cause greater than yourself, knowing, in a time of war, you could be sent into
harm's way."
-- President Obama, Washington, February 29, 2012
On [Thursday], 237 years ago, our Nation's leaders
established the Continental Army to protect oppressed colonists yearning for
freedom - beginning our Army's rich heritage of defending our country and her
citizens. Today, we celebrate the generations of Soldiers who embraced this
calling and have served this great Nation with honor, loyalty and bravery in
peace and war for more than two centuries.
Change has always been an enduring theme of our
Army's experience. After our long war for independence, we adapted to meet the
needs of an expanding Nation - securing frontiers, building roads and canals,
and mapping new territories. In the twentieth century, we fought two World Wars
to defeat tyranny and spread the cause of freedom- emerging as the stabilizing
global force. From Korea to Vietnam to the Persian Gulf, we answered our
Nation's every call to preserve peace and stability. And, following the attacks
of September 11, 2001, our Army made the decisive contribution to the global
struggle against violent extremism. Today, more than a decade later, as we
reflect on our accomplishments in Iraq, continue to serve our Nation's interests
in Afghanistan and elsewhere, and protect the American people at home, we
remain vigilant as we prepare for the challenges of an uncertain future.
Despite all this, some things have never changed.
Our Army has always remained true to our enduring professional values: we value
the dignity and respect of all our Soldiers, Families, and civilians; we honor
the sacred trust our Nation places with us; and, we remain our Nation's loyal
servants - defending the principles upon which our Declaration of Independence
and Constitution were established. For 237-years, America's Army has always
answered the Nation's call, and we always will.
On the Army's Birthday, we thank every Soldier,
civilian and Family member who has ever served in our ranks for your dedication
to duty and the selfless service that have made us all Army Strong. Happy
Birthday!
Raymond F. Chandler III
Sergeant Major of the Army
Raymond T. Odierno
General, United States Army Chief of Staff
John M. McHugh
Secretary of the Army