WASHINGTON – Gen. Ray T. Odierno, 38th Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army, will host the Army’s 240th birthday celebration in Times Square in New York City Friday, June 12, at 10 a.m.
Soldiers from the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) elite units – The U.S. Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, The U.S. Army Drill Team; Soldier-musicians from The U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own” Downrange, and the U.S. Military Academy West Point Band will rekindle the patriotic spirit with musical performances and demonstrations.
The U.S. Army Band Downrange will kick off the birthday celebration with a musical performance on Military Island at 9:45 a.m. The 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) Continental Color Guard will present colors at 10 a.m. with a Soldier-musician singing the national anthem.
“The Army is celebrating its proud tradition of 240 years of dedicated service to our nation,” said Col. Josslyn Aberle, public affairs director, U.S. Army Military District of Washington. “This birthday celebration salutes not only the Soldiers who defend our country; it salutes our citizens we are sworn to defend.”
Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Loree Sutton, M.D., New York City Mayor’s Office of Veterans Affairs Commissioner, will present the New York City proclamation, declaring June 12 “United States Army Day” in the City of New York.
Gen. Odierno will administer the oath of enlistment to 100 young men and women from the New York area during a Future Soldier Swearing-In ceremony.
“The Future Soldier swearing-in ceremony represents the next generation of Army Soldiers the youth of America selflessly volunteering to serve our great nation,” said Maj. Gen. Jeffrey S. Buchanan, commanding general, U.S. Army Military District of Washington.
The oldest and youngest Soldiers will join Gen. Odierno in cutting the official birthday cake provided by “Cake Boss” Buddy Valastro from Carlo’s Bakery.
In honor of the Army’s 240th birthday, the New York City Fire Department Pipes and Drums will perform in the patriotic celebration. This is just one example of the strong partnership between the U.S. Army and the city of New York.
All events are free and open to the public. It’s an opportunity for the City of New York to help celebrate the U.S. Army’s 240th birthday.
For more information, send an email to the U.S. Army Military District of Washington Public Affairs Office at courtney.a.dock.civ@mail.mil or call 202-685-4645.