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U.S. military marks 250-year milestone in Philadelphia's city center
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Amidst the grand 250th anniversary celebration of the U.S. Army, hosted in Washington, D.C., there were local tributes happening as well. The Greater Philadelphia region paid homage to the armed forces' rich history.
The festivities kicked off on Friday with Valley Forge in Montgomery County hosting the opening events, followed by family-friendly activities and ceremonies at Independence Mall on Saturday.
During the Saturday celebrations, no less than 250 recruits from the region were sworn in to honor the Army's historic legacy while heralding the future. Lt. Col. Joe Gainey, the commander of the Mid-Atlantic recruiting battalion, which annually recruits over 2,000 people in New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania, emphasized the importance of recruiting the next generation of soldiers in guaranteeing the Army's endurance for another 250 years.
Gainey explained that recruiters often regale potential recruits with tales of their experiences within the Army and enlighten them on the variety of opportunities available, encompassing over 150 military occupational specialties. Recruiters don't just focus on combat arms but highlight diverse opportunities in medical, dental, mechanical, technical, engineering, and more.
On the occasion, the speakers, including Mayor Cherelle Parker, emphasized Philadelphia's historic role as the birthplace of the United States Army and paid tribute to the pioneers who transformed a group of patriots into a powerful force securing their independence.
Attendees included tourists, veterans, and history enthusiasts alike. Some, like Shaun Frankel, were on a tour of American history, having recently visited Concord, Massachusetts, where the first revolutionary war conflicts unfolded. Others, such as retired grammar teacher Nahid Solamny, attended to pay respect to the flag, America, and ceremonies of freedom.
Veterans like Ed Lykins appreciated the recognition of the rich history of the United States Army and the heroes who served. The festivities continued with events such as an opening ceremony, a military-civilian parade, a birthday ceremony and cake cutting, an enlistment ceremony, and an Army band concert in the evening.
The celebrations continued into Sunday with a service at Christ Church in Philadelphia and a wreath laying ceremony at Washington Square.
Did You Know?
- The Army, formed on June 14, 1775, predates the United States by over a year and forms a crucial piece of American history.
- The Continental Army, the Army's founding unit, was created after a series of skirmishes, including the conflict at Lexington and Concord, Massachusetts in April 1775.
- The Army is just one of six national military branches. It was followed by the Navy and Marine Corps in October and November of 1775, the Coast Guard in 1790, the Air Force in 1947, and most recently, the Space Force in 2019.
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In the heart of Philadelphia's celebrations, various attendees expressed their appreciation for diverse opportunities within the Army, such as medical, dental, mechanical, technical, engineering, and many more.
Remembering the rich history of the U.S. Army as the birthplace of the United States Army, the festivities continued with a focus on securely recruiting the next generation of soldiers for the Army's endurance for another 250 years.
