[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 6]
[Senate]
[Page 8852]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       THE ARMY'S 238TH BIRTHDAY

  Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, tomorrow--June 14--marks the Army's 238th 
birthday. For 238 years, the Nation has entrusted the Army with 
preserving its peace and freedom, and defending its democracy. Since 
its beginnings as the Continental Army during our Revolutionary War, to 
its instrumental role in the wars of Iraq and Afghanistan, the Army has 
always served America admirably and I have every confidence that it 
will continue in this proud mission.
  The United States Army existed before there even was a United States 
to speak of. The Continental Army was established on June 14, 1775. It 
was composed of rebellious colonists who had little or no experience in 
soldiering. Despite these humble beginnings, General George Washington 
led the Continental Army and against overwhelming odds they defeated 
the more seasoned and well-equipped British ground forces. Following 
the end of the Revolutionary War, the Continental Army was disbanded 
but that action was followed by the official creation of the U.S. Army 
on June 3, 1784. Since then, our Army has become the model against 
which all other nations' armies are measured.
  The Army's birthday coincides with Flag Day, a holiday that 
commemorates our Nation's adoption of the U.S. flag. I believe this is 
fitting as our Nation's flag would not exist were it not for the 
bravery and sacrifice of our Army; and since its adoption, the Army has 
always carried our Nation's flag into battle.
  With the withdrawal of our military forces in Iraq and the drawdown 
of those forces in Afghanistan, I am concerned that our soldiers who 
have recently entered--or are about to enter--civilian life will not be 
provided with the tools to adapt to their new lives. Veteran 
unemployment, post-traumatic stress, and active duty military/veteran 
suicides continue to be serious issues and they must be addressed. If a 
solider is able to excel on the battlefield, then I see no reason why 
that same soldier should not be able to excel in the classroom, in a 
hospital, or in the boardroom. We have to provide our servicemen and 
women with the tools to help them achieve these goals. Doing so is not 
a hand-out, but rather a ``hand up'' that strengthens our Nation, since 
it redounds to the benefit of all Americans. Ultimately, we have to 
continue to give these men and women a stake in their own country.
  Since 1775, American soldiers have been the strength and sinew of our 
Nation. Our soldiers are driven by the ideals of the Warrior Ethos and 
commit themselves to succeed in any mission our Nation asks of them. 
Our soldiers believe that our Constitution and the freedom it 
guarantees are worth fighting for. They sacrifice their personal 
comfort and safety to answer a higher calling: service in the cause of 
freedom, both here at home for Americans, but also abroad for foreign 
peoples.
  I am awed by our servicemen and women's ability to adapt and succeed 
in a mission that at various stages has called upon them to be 
scholars, teachers, policemen, farmers, bankers, engineers, social 
workers, and, of course, warriors--often all at the same time. Above 
all, I am perpetually thankful for their willingness to serve, and have 
the greatest of faith in their ability to face the difficult and 
dangerous missions that lie ahead. These patriots have always been the 
strength of the Nation. The unwavering dedication to duty, to our 
country, and to all Americans is embodied in the Army motto, which is 
inscribed on top of the Department of the Army's official emblem ``This 
we'll defend.'' For 238 years, our Army has lived by these words, 
protecting us so that our society may be free. Let us remember our Army 
soldiers for this achievement today, and wish them a happy 238th 
birthday.

                          ____________________