HAPPY 234TH BIRTHDAY US ARMY....HOOAH!!

Two hundred and thirty-four years ago, the United States Army was established to defend our Nation. From the Revolutionary War to the Global War on Terror, our Soldiers remain Army Strong with a deep commitment to our core values and beliefs. This 234th birthday commemorates America’s Army – Soldiers, Families and Civilians – who are achieving a level of excellence that is truly Army Strong both here and abroad. Their willingness to sacrifice to build a better future for others and to preserve our way of life is without a doubt, the Strength of our Nation.

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JCS Speech
United States Army Birthday 2009
By Adm. Mike Mullen , Pentagon
Sunday, June 14, 2009

The history of our Army is the history of America. And today, without question, our Army is the best fighting force this country has ever seen.

Whenever I have the opportunity to visit with you – our Soldiers, and our Army families – it’s hard not to feel exceptionally proud of the difference you are making as you defend our Nation and create security and stability around the globe.

It’s difficult as well to miss your fighting spirit and your remarkable resilience, which were so critical to turning the tide in Iraq, and remain indispensable as we shift our main effort to Afghanistan. Your legacy of success has always been paced by a trademark ability to learn and adapt. As you train and teach to those hard-earned
lessons, you are writing the history of warfare, line by line.

Indeed, your versatility is indispensable to every facet of war – especially our efforts to prevent war itself – from building partners to defending our homeland. You know that no one can do this alone.

You also understand what eternal debts we owe our wounded, their families, and the families of the fallen. The Soldier’s Creed of “Never leave a fallen comrade” inspires a Nation to care for them with a commitment that is for life. And in this charge, as is true of so many others, you lead the way – “always fighting from the heart.”

On behalf of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, it is an honor to wish our Army and Army families a happy 234th birthday. Hoo-ah!

Chairman Issues Holiday Message to Servicemembers, Families

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Dec. 22, 2008 - The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff evoked the Revolutionary War's Battle of Trenton in the annual holiday message he issued to U.S. servicemembers and their families today.

Here is the text of Navy Adm. Mike Mullen's message:

"Throughout our history, when faced with war at this special time of the year, American Servicemen and women have risen with crisis and fought with valor – while providing their fellow citizens precious moments to enjoy the season's joyous spirit with loved ones at home.

"This tradition harkens to our first holiday season as an independent Nation, 232 years ago. The bleak winter of 1776 found this Republic and its leader, General Washington, with a difficult and uncertain future. At twilight on the twenty-fifth of December, faced with one of the darkest moments of the American Revolution, Washington's Army crossed the icy Delaware River to defeat enemy forces at the Battle of Trenton. Their bravery on that cold winter's night altered the course of the war, and, ultimately, our road to victory.

"Among Washington's troops that December was Thomas Paine, who appealed to the honor and patriotic duty of his fellow soldiers with these famous words: 'These are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman.'

"This holiday season, more than 280,000 modern-day patriots are deployed around the globe, ensuring their families and friends – and ours – can celebrate in peace and comfort. Let us take pause to honor their sacrifice.

"We also offer our thoughts and prayers to the wounded, their families, and the families of the fallen. Theirs is an emptiness we cannot know – made only deeper during the holidays. Although their sacred void can never be filled, let us look deep into our hearts and honor them all – for they richly deserve the love and thanks of a grateful Nation.

"On behalf of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and our families, I thank you for all that you do for our country. We wish you and your loved ones a festive holiday season, and tidings of peace in the coming New Year."

Respectfully,

M.G. MULLEN

Admiral, U.S. Navy

Biographies: Navy Adm. Mike Mullen