Happy 232nd Birthday, United States Army

A World War I recruiting poster was used to invite men to join the engineers.

Fort Belvoir will join other commands and installations around the world to celebrate the Army's 232nd birthday today.

"In conjunction with our traditional Army birthday celebration, we're including another component this year which we've dubbed 'Return to Belvoir,'" said Fort Belvoir spokesman Don Dees. "The installation commander [Col. Brian Lauritzen] has invited former commanders and former command sergeants majors to be his guests at the observance and for an update on current developments and future plans for the installation."

Since its birth on June 14, 1775, the Army has played a vital role in the growth and development of the nation it is sworn to protect. Soldiers have fought in more than 10 wars - from the American Revolution to the Cold War to the current War on Terrorism.

Fort Belvoir's observance will begin at 9 a.m. on Long Parade Field, directly in front of Abbot Hall, said Dees. The event will include a joint reading of the proclamation that formed the Army by the installation's NCO and Soldier of the Year. Installation historian Gus Person will also read the proclamation honoring the 400th anniversary of the settling of Jamestown.

Event attendees will also honor Flag Day, also celebrated today, by reciting the pledge of allegiance, continued Dees.

The installation's Soldiers and civilian employees will also be afforded the opportunity to participate in a voluntary reaffirmation of their service to the nation by repeating their oaths of office during the ceremony.

With the theme "Call to Duty - Boots on the Ground - Army Strong," the worldwide birthday celebration honors Soldiers answering the call to duty during one of the most dangerous periods in history, said Sergeant Major of the Army Kenneth O. Preston.

"Today's Soldiers symbolize the nobility of selfless service," he said. "Today's Soldiers are motivated by an unwavering belief that they will be victorious on the field of battle because we have fought this way since 1775 and always will."

Editor's note: Some information in this article provided by Army News Service.