Eagle BELVOIR
USALSA wins Formation Run Pages B1 and A7
Lt. Gen. Leslie Smith, Army Inspector General, was the guest speaker at Belvoir’s Army Birthday observance, June 14.
June 21, 2018
www.belvoireagleonline.com
Photos by Paul Lara
Staff Sgt. Adam Straub, U.S. Army Chorus, sings the national anthem on the steps during Army Birthday ceremonies, June 14.
Fort Belvoir celebrates the Army’s 243 years By Adrienne Anderson Staff writer Fort Belvoir celebrated the Army’s 243rd birthday June 14, with a presentation in front of Garrison Headquarters. In addition to June 14 being the Army Birthday, it’s also Flag Day. The Army was established June 14, 1775, making it older than the nation, said Lt. Gen. Leslie Smith, Army Inspector General and event guest speaker. “We rightfully call ourselves America’s first institution,” he said, adding that the Army helped win the U.S.’s freedom during the American Revolution. Many do not know that, two years after the Army was established, the Second Continental Congress approved the adoption of the U.S.
flag, he said. Although President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation declaring June 14 Flag Day in 1918, it wasn’t until 1946 when Congress established it as a national holiday. “The U.S. flag has been carried into battle on foreign soil, countless times,” Smith said. The flag has traveled through the U.S. military’s history. “America’s proud history is intertwined with the Army’s history,” he said. “Sons and daughters of the U.S. have fought and died in foreign lands to protect our liberty.” Remembering the sacrifices of Service members is important, Smith said. “On the 243rd birthday of the U.S. Army, we recognize and honor the millions of Soldiers who have served, deployed and sacrificed in support of our nation over the past century,”
he said. “From World War I to the present, the Soldiers of the U.S. Army have served heroically, at home and across the globe, in war and peace, to support our allies, defeat oppressors, and defend liberty.” Americans don’t pledge allegiance to a person or a government, they pledge allegiance to the idea of freedom, he said. “We must think about and remember our past by honoring our fallen, and our veterans who stood watch to defend our freedom,” Smith said. “We must support our current force spread across the globe—those men and women who continue to honor the Army’s legacy of selfless service.”
More photos, page A6
Save the dates! All these events are open to everyone. Retiree Council meeting Today, 9 a.m. Sosa Building, White Room, Bldg. 200 fort.belvoir.retiree.council@gmail. com.
National Pollinator Week
ASBP Blood Drive
Work Day in OCAR’s Pollinator Garden Today, 1-3 p.m. Bldg. 1908, 6075 Goethals Road FMI, Rosemarie Richard, 703-806-6738
Monday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Belvoir USO Warrior and Family Center Appointments from militarydonor. com Sponsor code: USO
Troops to Teachers briefing
11 a.m., June 28 Barden Ed Center Room 106 FMI - Tamekii.l.clark-warrington. civ@mail.mil Active, Reserve, Guard, civilians, spouses welcome