Happy 230th to the US Army and happy 228th to the US Flag.

Since its birth on 14 June 1775—over a year before the Declaration of Independence—the United States Army has played a vital role in the growth and development of our nation. Soldiers have fought more than 10 wars, from the American Revolution through the Cold War, the Gulf War, to the current Global War on Terrorism. This 229th Birthday is a recognition of The Army’s history, traditions, and service to the Nation. Our Army At War—Relevant and Ready.

Michelle Malkin has a great roundup of stories about both. From this story:

It’s a little known fact that flying the American Flag on June 14 also signifies respect for the U.S. Army. Though their emblematic shared birthdays may seem intentional, the date of their foundings is coincidental and years apart. The birth of the Army on June 14, 1775, came two full years before the Continental Congress adopted the first official flag of the republic on June 14, 1777.

It would still be more than 150 years before President Harry S. Truman, coincidentally an avid Washington Senators baseball fan, signed into law a national observance for our flag on June 14th, a day we know today as Flag Day. As the Secretary of the Army and the Army Chief of Staff remind soldiers and citizens alike every year, the work of the U.S. Army ensures that freedom’s light shines as a beacon throughout the world.

As a veteran of the US Army, the two things that I honor the most in this country are the US Army and all of its current and past soliders, and the US Flag.

I’ve never witnessed a US flag burning…nor do I think I could stand by and watch it happen either. I have little doubt I’d probably get myself arrested if I ever happened upon someone trying to burn my flag. I’d either get arrested for theft (taking theirour flag before they could burn it), or arrested for assault (because I’d fight anybody who thought they were man enough to physically stop me from rescuing that flag).

Yeah, I feel that strongly about it.

Burning our flag might be a protected right, and some of you might regard it as symbolic speech. Ok, but what it symbolizes is hatred for this country. Simple as that. Nothing more and nothing less.

Posted by Robbie Cooper on Tuesday, June 14th, 2005 | Trackback |