A Special Day In American History

Today is a special day in American history for two major events.

The first is the 250th Anniversary of the US Army.

Since its official establishment, June 14, 1775, more than a year before the Declaration of Independence, the US Army has played a vital role in the growth and development of the American nation.

The Second Continental Congress voted to establish the Continental Army, which would later become the US Army. This action was taken following the fighting at Lexington and Concord and was a critical step in the American Revolutionary War. The Continental Army was formed to unify the colonial militias and provide a formal structure for the fight against British troops.

It was tested several times during its first 125 years of its history, rising to the next pinnacle of success after each challenge.

Then, the US Army grew to become the premier force, called upon in the 20th century to liberate the nations of the world from oppression by those who attempted to strip those nations of their freedoms and liberties.

Since the year 2000, the US Army has been actively involved in several key operations and transitions, including the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, and the establishment of the Space Force.

The Army also experienced a period of relatively stable troop levels following the end of the Cold War, with some adjustments due to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Additionally, the Army has seen technological advancements and changes in equipment, like the shift to the M4 rifle and the modernization of machine guns and other weaponry.

The second event is the 248th Anniversary of the Stars and Stripes, our Glorious American flag. It was originally revealed on June 14, 1777, with thirteen stripes and thirteen stars, representing the original thirteen colonies, which united as states after the Declaration of Independence was signed.

It, too, grew over time, until Alaska was added on July 4, 1959 and Hawaii was added on July 4, 1960. No additional states have entered into our Union since then.

Presently, the fifty stars on the flag represent the fifty states and the thirteen stripes represent the original Thirteen Colonies that rebelled against the British crown and became the first states in the Union. Nicknames for the flag include "the Stars and Stripes", "Old Glory", and "the Star-Spangled Banner".

Happy Glorious Anniversary to these American institutions!