Tony Thurmond: “for almost two and one quarter centuries, the United States Army, more than any other American institution, has stood at…”

“for almost two and one quarter centuries, the United States Army, more than any other American institution, has stood at the forefront of protecting the borders, people, and ideals of our nation. Today, I am pleased to have this opportunity to pay tribute to the Army on the 223rd anniversary of its founding. Formed on June 14, 1775, the United States Army is older than the nation itself, and for more than two centuries, its soldiers have stood tall as they carried out their duties patriotically and selflessly. In the history of the Army, more than 42 million Americans have raised their right hands, both in times of crisis and peace, to take an oath to protect and defend the nation from all enemies foreign and domestic. In that time, soldiers have been called to arms numerous times in order to preserve this Republic. From the Battle of Cowpens during our War for Independence, to Bosnia, where our troops help to maintain a fragile peace, those who serve prove that there is no finer citizen, no better warrior, and no more compassionate peacemaker than a soldier in the United States Army. The success and excellence of our soldiers and Army are due to many contributing factors, but certainly the most important is that we live in a nation founded on the ideals of a democratic government. We have created a society that truly affords more liberties, more freedoms, and more opportunities than any other nation in the world.”