[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 76 (Wednesday, June 14, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1155]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO THE ARMY'S 231ST BIRTHDAY

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                           HON. CHET EDWARDS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 14, 2006

  Mr. EDWARDS. Mr. Speaker, I rise on behalf of myself and 
Representative John McHugh. As the co-chairs the House Army Caucus, we 
would like to salute the United States Army on its 231st birthday.
  On June 14, 1775, more than a year before the ratification of the 
Declaration of Independence, the Continental Congress created 
Continental Army, which later became the U.S. Army. That day, as the 
Americans prepared for war against the British, Congress undertook an 
effort to raise ten companies of riflemen and accepted responsibility 
for thousands of men who were already assembled in New England and New 
York.
  From that brave beginning was born the Army that defeated the British 
and gave us our Nation. From that brave beginning came more than 200 
years of accomplishment and tradition and has brought us the 
unparalleled force we have today.
  Through the last 231 years, the United States Army has fought to 
bring freedom to the American people and then to protect it. It has 
fought for liberty and against tyranny across the globe, and free 
people everywhere owe a debt to the sacrifices of individual soldiers, 
many of whom gave their lives for people they never knew.
  Today's Army faces new challenges and new threats, but is still the 
right arm of freedom in this world. New democracies in Iraq, 
Afghanistan, Bosnia and Kosovo owe a debt of gratitude to U.S. Army 
soldiers that have sacrificed on their behalf.
  We are representatives today of the House Army Caucus, but each of us 
have represented thousands of soldiers who have served our Nation in 
harm's way. Each of us has met with the men and women who are part of 
this outstanding institution and have devoted their lives to their 
Nation. These men and women are models of courage and dedication; their 
selfless service to the Nation will serve as inspiration to citizens in 
the 21st century and beyond.
  Mr. Speaker, on this day, of all days, we recognize that without our 
Army, we truly would not have a nation in the first place. As we 
recognize this monumental day, we ask our colleagues to join us in 
celebrating the contributions, traditions, and service of the Army and 
its dedication to the past, present, and future of this great Nation.

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