Westmoreland Marks Army’s 235th Birthday, Flag Day

Westmoreland Co-Sponsors Bill Recognizing the Army’s Milestone
Today, U.S. Rep. Lynn Westmoreland celebrated the United States Army’s 235th birthday. Westmoreland’s Third Congressional District is home to the Army’s Fort Benning, not to mention the countless number of Army veterans living throughout the district.

“I join soldiers and veterans in my district and around the country in celebrating the Army’s 235th year of defending our nation and our freedom,” said Westmoreland. “Every day, soldiers put on the uniform and demonstrate personal strength, courage and dedication. They keep our nation strong and help protect liberty for future generations.”

Westmoreland co-sponsored a bill in the United States House of Representatives that recognizes the Army’s birthday.

Created by the Second Continental Congress in 1775 and first led by George Washington, the United States Army is a key part of the Armed Forces of the United States and has the best-trained and most-respected soldiers in the world. Numbering over 675,000 Active Duty and Army Reserve soldiers, the Army protects and defends freedom and democracy.

Also, the Army’s birthday falls on Flag Day, a holiday to commemorate the adoption of the flag of the United States.

“The American Flag is a constant reminder of the freedom we enjoy and the sacrifice of so many men and women who have given their lives for our country,” Westmoreland added.

The American flag was adopted by the Continental Congress on June 14, 1777, after the original 13-star flag was first raised by colonists to show their independence from Great Britain. Additional stars have been added 27 times between 1777 and 1960.

“Today is a good day to pause and remember how blessed we are to live in a great country like the United States of America, and how many folks over the years have given so much to defend our nation,” concluded Westmoreland.