“Today the Army flag has 189 battle/campaign streamers that fly from her representing those hard-fought battles all over the world.”
Two hundred and forty-two years ago, our nation’s leaders established the Continental Army. Today, the Army is the strategic land power of the joint force; called upon to prevent, shape, and win against our adversaries.
Today, is the U.S. Army’s 242nd Birthday, a day we celebrate the Total Army Force comprised of multi-component Soldiers and Department of the Army Civilians and their contributions to national defense. The American Soldier trains, deploys, engages, and destroys enemies of the United States in combat operations and is the world’s premier land force.
Established more than a year before the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Army held a vital role in the growth and development of America. The historical militia type traditions and organization were enhanced with the introduction of professional standards. The Army won the new republic’s independence in a brutal eight-year struggle against Great Britain. This new Army was underfunded, under-equipped, and poorly trained but persevered in the fight and provided the lone symbol of nationhood around which Patriots rallied and fought.
On June 14, 1775, the Continental Congress passed the following resolution:
Resolved, That six companies of expert riflemen , be immediately raised in Pennsylvania, two in Maryland, and two in Virginia; and that each company, as soon as completed shall march and join the army near Boston, to be there employed as light infantry, under the command of the Chief Officer in that army.
With this resolution, the Continental Congress adopted the New England Army of Observation, making it a “continental” army and a united colonial fighting force that could represent all 13 colonies with the addition of the troops from the three middle colonies. The Continental Army thus became America’s first national institution.
The very next day the Continental Congress selected George Washington to be the first Commander in Chief of the Continental Army. He was chosen because of his military background and because he was a leader from Virginia. It was hoped his selection could further unite the colonies. Washington was voted on unanimously by the Congress and was commissioned shortly after.
“We, reposing special trust and confidence in your patriotism, valor, conduct, and fidelity, do, by these presents, constitute and appoint you to be General and Commander in chief, of the army of the United Colonies, and of all the forces now raised, or to be raised, by them, and of all others who shall voluntarily offer their service, and join the said Army for the Defence [sic] of American liberty, and for repelling every hostile invasion thereof: And you are hereby vested with full power and authority to act as you shall think for the good and welfare of the service.”
This day is also the 101st National/Official Flag Day, even though our Nation’s Flag ‘Old Glory’ is now 240 years young. The Army flag has a storied history and shows the accomplishments of the Army with symbols of engagements the Army has been tasked to fight and win. Today the Army flag has 189 battle/campaign streamers that fly from her representing those hard-fought battles all over the world.
