Happy Birthday US Army

Well, it’s that time of year again.  Today is the 236th birthday of the US Army, founded in 1775.

I’ve had some great friends from the Army, many of whom I am still in contact with today.  There are even a select few that are still in (Maj. K and CW4 Gordie are my favorite examples).  An even smaller number are those who I watched grow up and decided to join as well (looking at you Donnie). 

I am proud to have served with everyone out there, and tonight I raise a glass to all of you.  It was the best of times.

If you know someone who is serving in (or served) in the Army, here are a couple of ways you can say “Thanks”.

First, we have the Beer Bouquet.  Notice how they have a bucket with the Army logo on it.  Having been there, I know you can never have enough stuff for cleaning or storage, so this would be appreciated….and who doesn’t like 6 pack of beer to go with it.  Excellent choice. 

Next, we have the beer itself.

If you live on the East Coast, there is 50 Back, a company that gives 50% of all profits to Military charities.  There is something beautiful when a company isn't greedy but wants to go out of it’s way to recognize the service our our brave Americans in uniform.

Likewise, Miller High Life is continuing their great program of support as well.  If you haven’t seen the commercial, here it is.

 

The Army's Birthday: 14 June 1775

When the American Revolution broke out, the rebellious colonies did not possess an army in the modern sense. Rather, the revolutionaries fielded an amateur force of colonial troops, cobbled together from various New England militia companies. They had no unified chain of command, and although Artemas Ward of Massachusetts exercised authority by informal agreement, officers from other colonies were not obligated to obey his orders. The American volunteers were led, equipped, armed, paid for, and supported by the colonies from which they were raised.

In the spring of 1775, this “army” was about to confront British troops near Boston, Massachusetts. The revolutionaries had to re-organize their forces quickly if they were to stand a chance against Britain’s seasoned professionals. Recognizing the need to enlist the support of all of the American seaboard colonies, the Massachusetts Provincial Congress appealed to the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia to assume authority for the New England army.

Reportedly, at John Adams' request, Congress voted to "adopt" the Boston troops on June 14, although there is no written record of this decision. Also on this day, Congress resolved to form a committee "to bring in a draft of rules and regulations for the government of the Army," and voted $2,000,000 to support the forces around Boston, and those at New York City. Moreover, Congress authorized the formation of ten companies of expert riflemen from Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia, which were directed to march to Boston to support the New England militia. These were the first troops Congress agreed to pay from its own funds, and later became the 1st Continental Regiment.

George Washington received his appointment as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army the next day, and formally took command at Boston on July 3, 1775.

John R. Maass
Historian
US Army Center of Military History