The United States Army Birthday

Since its birth on 14 June 1775-over a year before the Declaration of Independence-the United States Army has played a vital role in the growth and development of our nation. Soldiers have fought more than 10 wars, from the American Revolution through the Cold War, the Gulf War, to the current Global War on Terrorism. This 229th Birthday is a recognition of The Army’s history, traditions, and service to the Nation. Our Army At War--Relevant and Ready.

2004 Army Birthday Message from The President of the United States

2004 Secretary and Chief of Staff of the Army Birthday Message

2004 Sergeant Major of the Army Birthday Message

Birthday Week Photos

Cake flies as Deputy Secretary of Defense Paul Wolfowitz (center) leads the cutting of the Army's birthday cake in the Pentagon courtyard Monday. The oldest Soldier, Master Sgt. David Mitchell, left, and the youngest, Pvt. Micheal Hebert, right, joined Sgt. Maj. of the Army Kenneth Preston, Acting Secretary of the Army Les Brownlee and Army Chief of Staff Gen. Peter Schoomaker in celebrating the Army 229th birthday. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Carmen Burgess.

The 229th Birthday Logo

Our Army At War--Relevant and Ready

Our Army is serving a Nation at war.

The Global War on Terrorism will not be short and it will require deep and enduring commitment. To fight this war and ensure our Nation's security into the future, the Army must provide the Joint Force with relevant and ready capabilities to support the National Security and Defense Strategies. Our Army is a campaign-quality Army with a Joint and Expeditionary Mindset, a proud member of the Joint Force expertly serving our nation and its citizens for 229 years.

The Army provides the Joint Force with the combat, combat support, and combat service support capabilities necessary to conduct sustained land warfare during extended campaigns. This is our unique contribution to the Joint Team and it will be maintained. The challenge we are addressing is how to transform our organizations, processes, doctrine and culture so that we are better able to provide this contribution in a more prompt and rapid manner.

As it has always been, Soldiers, both active and reserve, are the heart of the Army. Embued with the Warrior Ethos, our Soldiers are "Warriors of character" whose seriousness and sense of urgency are characteristic of an Army at war. Our Soldiers will always place the mission first, never accept defeat, never quit and will never leave a fallen comrade.

The 229th Birthday logo reflects who we are as Soldiers and an Army in 2004.-- Our Army At War-- Relevant and Ready.

2004 Worldwide Army Birthday Events: