Sen. Doug Mastriano (R-33)
As the United States Army celebrates its 250th birthday on June 14, we pause to honor an institution that has embodied courage, sacrifice and the unbreakable will of a free people since its founding in 1775.
For 250 years, the United States Army has stood as the backbone of our nation’s defense and a beacon of freedom around the world. It’s not just a fighting force – it’s a living testimony to what a free people will do to remain free.
From its inception by the Continental Congress, the Army has led this country through every major conflict: Washington’s daring crossing of the Delaware and victory at Trenton; Chamberlain’s bayonet charge at Gettysburg; Sgt. Alvin York’s battlefield heroism in World War I; and Gen. George Patton’s relentless push across Europe in World War II.
The history of the Army is the history of America’s survival. Time and again, our soldiers have gone where they were needed most – over mountains, through jungles, across beaches – so that others could live in peace.
We remember the quiet strength of Cold War soldiers who stood guard in Germany, the thunderous speed of Operation Desert Storm and the brave men and women who fought in the post-9/11 battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan to confront global terrorism.
As a retired Army Colonel, I have seen firsthand the resilience and character of those who wear the uniform. My own family served overseas during the Cold War and faced the hardships of deployment in the Middle East. These experiences shaped not only our lives but also deepened my commitment to honoring all who serve.
Our soldiers never serve alone. Behind each uniform is a family who sacrifices, endures and stands watch. Their quiet strength is a vital part of the Army’s success.
As chair of the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, I remain steadfast in championing veterans’ rights, enhancing military readiness and preserving our military heritage. Freedom isn’t passed down like an heirloom – it is earned, defended, and passed on through blood, sweat and sacrifice.
Happy 250th Birthday to the United States Army. May its next 250 years be as honorable, courageous and resolute as the last.
Sen. Doug Mastriano represents the 33rd Senatorial District, covering all of Adams and Franklin counties.