[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 75 (Thursday, June 11, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1106]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             TRIBUTE TO THE U.S. ARMY ON ITS 221ST BIRTHDAY

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                           HON. CHET EDWARDS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 11, 1998

  Mr. EDWARDS. Mr. Speaker, on June 14, 1775, the Second Continental 
Congress, representing the citizens of the thirteen American colonies, 
authorized the establishment of a Continental Army with the expressed 
purpose of providing for the defense of a fledgling democracy and its 
bedrock principles and values. The next day, Congressman George 
Washington became General George Washington and prepared to take 
command of the new Army. The collective expression of the pursuit of 
personal freedoms that caused the authorization and organization of the 
United States Army, subsequently led to our Nation's Declaration of 
Independence and the codification of our bedrock principles and values 
in the Constitution of the United States. The birth and growth of that 
Army led to the birth of our great Nation. Today we celebrate the 
birthday of the United States Army, in recognition of 221 years of 
continuous, selfless, and valorous service to the citizens, principles, 
and values of the United States of America.
  For 221 years, our Army's central purpose has been to fight and win 
our Nation's wars. In years past, those wars have typically been fought 
and won on distant, foreign battlefields, while at home, the Army has 
provided for the security of a growing population. The Army's 
contributions include the development of our Nation's rail and water 
transportation networks, and innumerable medical and scientific 
achievements that have markedly improved the quality of life of our 
citizenry. Whatever the mission, the Nation turns to its Army for 
decisive victory, regardless of whether those victories are measured in 
the defeat of foreign armed forces or the timely delivery of 
humanitarian assistance at home or abroad. The 172 battle streamers 
carried on the Army flag are testaments to the valor, commitment, and 
sacrifice of those who have served and fought under its banner. Valley 
Forge, New Orleans, Mexico City, Gettysburg, Verdun, Bataan, Normandy, 
Pusan, Ia Drang Valley, Grenada, Panama, and Kuwait are but a handful 
of the places where American soldiers have won extraordinary 
distinction and respect for our Nation and our Army.
  Soldiers of character are today, as they have been throughout the 
Army's glorious history, the heart and soul of our Army. ``Duty, Honor, 
Country'' are more than mere words--they are the creed by which the 
American soldier lives and serves. Today's Army is without equal, not 
in terms of its size, but in the quality and dedication of the young 
men and women who have chosen to selflessly serve the Nation, at home 
and abroad, in peace and war, to accomplish the tasks directed by the 
Nation's leaders. Our young men and women--who receive tough, realistic 
training and are equipped with the finest equipment--are the envy of 
the world's nations. The Army's strength always has been, and always 
will be, the American soldier. Intelligent, physically fit, highly 
motivated and educated, and well trained and supported, soldiers are 
our Army's capital asset. While no one can predict the cause, location, 
or magnitude of future battles, there is one certainty--American 
soldiers of character, selflessly serving the Nation, will continue to 
be the credentials of our Army.
  The Army is prepared to answer the Nation's call, and such calls have 
been increasing in number and disparity in recent years. These wide-
ranging missions highlight the complex global security environment our 
Nation faces today. The threats are less distinct and less predictable 
than in the past, but more complex and just as real and dangerous. 
Rising sophistication among terrorists and rogue states, the standing 
armed forces of potential adversaries, and the proliferation of weapons 
of mass destruction portend increasing challenges for the future. Our 
Army will continue to serve the central role in the Nation's response 
to these challenges.
  Our Army--the world's most capable and respected ground force--is in 
the midst of an unparalleled transformation as it prepares for the new 
challenges of the next century and a different world. The Information 
Age is already bringing rapid changes in the conduct of warfare. Future 
forces will be prepared to conduct quick, decisive, highly 
sophisticated operations anywhere, anytime. America's 21st Century Army 
will integrate emerging information technologies with sound doctrine, 
flexible organizations, and soldiers of character and commitment to 
make out Nation's land force more versatile, deployable, lethal, and 
survivable.
  Our Army was ready at Lexington and our Army is ready today. Our Army 
will be ready to fight and win our Nation's call to service at home and 
abroad. Whenever the time, whenever the place, whatever the mission, 
America can count on her Army.

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