A Soldier's reflection
By Teri L. Hansen
Two-hundred and fifty years…that is how old the United States Army is, or so they say. I suppose it depends on who’s version of history we believe. It was on June 14, 1775 that the Continental Army was established. It would be more than a year later before the Declaration of Independence was signed and later still before the United States actually gained that independence.
So I’m sure that somewhere in Europe, someone would discount that the United States Army is in fact 250 years old. It’s worth noting that in addition to Flag Day and the Army birthday, June 14 is also National Bourbon Day (can’t say it surprises me that this coincides), Cucumber Day, Doll Day, National strawberry shortcake Day, Pop Goes the Weasel Day and New Mexico Day. It is also International Bath Day (which is important in my humble opinion), World Gin Day and World Blood Donor Day.
In any case, I have celebrated this date for more than two decades now as a Soldier and retired Soldier. Doesn’t seem like a long time when compared to more than two centuries, but it was in 2003 that I joined. It was a month prior to the Army’s 228th birthday. I was just shy of 19 years old. I don’t recall that year’s birthday being particularly momentous. I would have been in basic training by that time and I don’t think I knew when my own birthday came about while I was there.
However, I do remember many of them after. Generally I recall some kind of festivities always taking place. These included at the very least, decent food that day. This may not seem like much, but anyone who has eaten at Ft. Polk will agree, it meant a lot!
Years later, I was in Baghdad, Iraq on the 235th birthday of the U.S. Army. The food was good, the company was great, the locale left a lot to be desired. We ate cake, drank near-beer and for a large percentage of us, chain-smoked cheap cigarettes we bought at the bizarre.
We celebrated our organization and the struggles that were overcome to be founded. We celebrated the triumphs of 235 years. We celebrated each other.
We didn’t have a fancy parade. We didn’t have protests. We had each other and hopefully a patch of shade to shelter from the 117-degree desert heat. And that was if we were lucky and not out on duty.
This weekend I was sad that a momentous occasion for myself and all those who served and still serve in the Army, was debated and criticized. I don’t care a whole lot about the parade or show of force. I care about the feeling of solidarity and patriotism that felt like a distant memory.
It hurts to know that a date that once brought me closer to my comrades, has since caused strife and division in the country I love.
Someday I hope to see another decade of the United States Army celebrated. Who knows, maybe I’ll make it another 50 years to see 300. If I only make it another 10, I hope to see it celebrated in a united country with love and pride, if only just for that day.
As John F. Kennedy once said, "Let us not seek the Republican answer or the Democratic answer, but the right answer. Let us not seek to fix the blame for the past - let us accept our own responsibility for the future."
Thank you to all who serve and have served across all of our Nation's Armed Forces. We celebrate you and honor your sacrifice.
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