The United States Army celebrated its 244st birthday on June 14, Flag Day, with a traditional cake cutting and celebration.
Following the local events at each Army base around the country, there is also a wreath laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery; Capitol Hill Cake Cutting on June 15; Pentagon Cake Cutting on June 16th; Army Staff Run on June 17; and the Army Birthday Ball on June 18.
History
In 1775, Congress established the Continental Army which consisted of 22,000 militiamen from outside of Boston and 5,000 from New York. Congress named George Washington as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army the next day.
Flag
Adopted on 12 June 195 by U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower, The U.S. Army flag features a blue replica of the War Office Seal on a white field. Under the seal is a scarlet scroll reading “United States Army”. Beneath the scroll is the founding year, 1775.
Facts
The Army is older than the country it serves! With America not being officially established until July 4, 1776, the Army was created an entire year before to combat the British attack in Boston.
If the Army’s soldiers created their own city, it would be the 10th largest in the United States. There are over 1 million serving soldiers in the U.S. Army. Nearly half that number is on active duty and serving full time, while the other half are National Guard and Army reserves.
The Army is the second-largest employer after Walmart. While budget cuts will bring soldier numbers down to 1,042,200, the Army still beats third place runner Yum Brands which only has around 523,000.
Happy Birthday, U.S. Army! Want to purchase an Army or American flag? Click here!
