Chuck Hagel: “I rise this morning to wish the U.S. Army happy birthday. It was 230 years ago today, June 14, 1775, that the…”

“I rise this morning to wish the U.S. Army happy birthday. It was 230 years ago today, June 14, 1775, that the Continental Army of the United States was born. Over the past 230 years, millions of men and women have served in the oldest branch of our Armed Forces. Their honor, courage, sacrifice, and service are woven into the culture of this great, country. The principles of duty, honor, and country have been the foundation of our Army and of our country. Their honor, their courage, their sacrifice, and service are woven into the culture of this great Nation. It is America. Every generation of Americans who have served in the U.S. Army, from the Continental Army to our fighting men and women serving today in Iraq and Afghanistan, have been shaped by these principles, have molded lives in ways that are hard to explain. Just as the U.S. Army has touched our national life and history, it has touched the lives of citizens of the world. The U.S. Army has protected American values of liberty, freedom, and democracy and made the world a more secure, prosperous, and better place for all mankind. It is only appropriate we recognize the monumental contributions of this great institution, contributions to America and the world. On this 230th birthday of the U.S. Army, we also recognize and thank those who have sacrificed and served. We thank their families. Their examples are an inspiration to those who have had the privilege to serve in the U.S. Army.…”