The United States Army was born out of the desire to defend liberty and proudly celebrates its 231st birthday on 14 June 2006.
Since 1775, millions have worn the uniform and lived the “Warrior Ethos.” Soldiers have always understood that the freedoms our nation guarantees are worth fighting for and America’s decision to put “boots on the ground” illustrates like no other action its continued commitment to these ideals.
Today, America’s Army is engaged in a global war on terrorism and has a presence in 120 countries. Soldiers have long sacrificed their personal comfort and safety to answer a higher calling. Despite hardships and dangers to life and limb, Soldiers have always answered the call — and our nation has long relied on your courage, your sacrifice andyour selfless service.
Remember our soldiers in particular on this day. They are giving up so much to win for us and go above and beyond the call of duty to win in Iraq.
Yet back home, we can't even do the bare minimum of voicing our opinion that we should win:
I'm just wondering something. Because our troops went into battle on the assumption that the people back home would back them until victory. The troops are holding up their end of the battle by fighting, dying, and winning. All we have to do is stop forgetting what we all agreed on and agreed to do.
There is no substitute for victory. We gave our word.
So suck it up, people. Get over the fact that the war is hard and that you are uncomfortable now at parties defending the war to your anti-war friends. Our troops endure much worse to win.
All our soldiers want for their birthday is victory. This is a big present, I know. But if we all chip in just a little, we can afford it.
Our liberty depends on our soldiers (and our other service personnel, of course--but this is the Army's birthday). As it has so often in our past.
Happy birthday, Army.
