Army's 240th Birthday

Floor Speech

Mr. Speaker, Sunday marks the 240th birthday of the United States Army. Established on June 14, 1775, as the Continental Army, the U.S. Army faithfully protects American families.

I am grateful to represent Fort Jackson, the largest initial-entry training facility in the U.S. Army. Last month, I attended Fort Jackson's change of command, where I was honored to recognize Major General Bradley Becker and Brigadier General Roger Cloutier for their leadership and dedicated service.

As the son of an Army Air Corps Flying Tiger of the 14th Air Force and as the father of three sons currently serving in the South Carolina Army National Guard and myself as a veteran of the Army Reserve in the South Carolina Army National Guard, I am grateful to know firsthand of the competence and patriotism of our servicemembers.

Twenty-five years ago today, I visited the Berlin Wall and was denied entry into East Germany at the Brandenburg Gate. Now, more countries than ever live in freedom and democracy than in the history of the world due to the success of the U.S. military.

Today is the anniversary of President Ronald Reagan's proclamation, ``Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall'' in 1987, proving peace through strength.

In conclusion, God bless our troops, and may the President, by his actions, never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.

God bless the U.S. Army.

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