Today, Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth, Army Chief of Staff Gen. James McConville, and Sergeant Major of the Army Michael Grinston participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National cemetery.
The tradition marks the 246th birthday of the United States Army and honors the legacy of America's soldiers.
Wormuth, McConville, and Grinston then joined dozens of soldiers who were re-enlisting at a ceremonial cake cutting event that celebrates that Army's birthday.
"Happy birthday!" Grinston exclaimed during his speech. He reflected on how difficult that last year was with the pandemic, civil unrest, floods, forest fires, and more. There were also troops deployed to 140 countries around the globe, "maintaining world order," Gen. McConville said.
The Army also put together a showcase video for the 246th that interviewed soldiers, included music from the Army band, and a message from Secretary Wormuth.
The United States Army was born on June 14th, 1775 when the Continental Congress authorized the enlistment of soldiers to fight for the 13 colonies.
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Reach Jack Murphy: jack@connectingvets.com or @JackMurphyRGR.
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