Sign in Subscribe
Soldiers

Celebrating 250 Years of the United States Army: Honoring a Legacy of Bravery and Patriotism

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

On June 14, 2023, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) introduced a resolution to commemorate the 250th birthday of the United States Army, acknowledging its remarkable history from the American Revolution to the Global War on Terror. The resolution also recognizes the bravery and patriotism of soldiers and veterans from Fort Riley and Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, who have served the nation with distinction.

Key Takeaways:

  • Senator Roger Marshall introduced a resolution to celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States Army, honoring its storied history from the American Revolution to the Global War on Terror.
  • The resolution recognizes the bravery and patriotism of soldiers and veterans from Fort Riley and Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, including those who recently participated in the Army's 250th birthday parade in Washington, D.C.
  • 450 troops from Fort Riley's 'Big Red One' attended the parade, marching past the 1st Division Monument, which holds special meaning for Senator Marshall.
  • Senator Marshall has a personal connection to the US Army, as he was honorably discharged from the National Guard with the rank of Captain in 1991 and comes from a long line of Americans who served in the US Army, including his son, brother, father, and grandfather.
  • The First Infantry Division, currently garrisoned at Fort Riley, is the oldest continuously serving division in the Army, having consistently been the first division to deploy into the wars of the United States.
  • The 1st Infantry Division has a storied history, including being the first to reach England in World War II, the first to fight the enemy in North Africa and Sicily, and the first on the beaches in Normandy during D-Day.
  • Senator Marshall worked for seven years on the FIRST Act, which added 631 names of Big Red One Soldiers to the First Infantry Division Monument.
  • Fort Riley and Fort Leavenworth are critical military installations in Kansas, with Fort Riley home to the First Infantry Division and Fort Leavenworth home to the U.S. Army's Combined Arms Center and the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College.

Statistics:

  • The United States Army is celebrating its 250th birthday, marking a quarter millennium of service and sacrifice.
  • The 1st Infantry Division, currently garrisoned at Fort Riley, has been deployed 12 times in the nation's history.
  • The 1st Infantry Division has a mortality rate of 1.38% during World War II, one of the lowest rates of any division in the Army.
  • The Division has been awarded 188 medals, including 4 Medal of Honor awards, 24 Distinguished Service Crosses, and 1,133 Silver Stars.
  • Fort Riley, home of the First Infantry Division, is the oldest continuously operating military installation west of the Mississippi River.
  • Fort Leavenworth, home of the U.S. Army's Combined Arms Center and the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, is the oldest permanent settlement in Kansas.

Sources:

  • United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall
  • MIL-OSI Publisher US Senate News
  • http://milnz.co.nz/mil-osi-aggregation/
  • Contify.com

Read more