On behalf of the entire National Guard, I extend best wishes and congratulations to our fellow warfighters of the United States Army on the occasion of their 244th birthday!
Since its founding on June 14, 1775, the United States Army has earned the deep admiration and sincere appreciation of a grateful Nation. Guardsmen and our active duty brothers and sisters have a colorful and storied history of fighting shoulder to shoulder to win our Nation's wars. Just over a century ago, National Guard Soldiers and their active duty Army counterparts fought across France during World War I. These Soldiers stood valiantly against murderous volumes of machinegun fire, shocking artillery barrages, and an adversary that did not believe we would fight or win. Together we proved that our combined skills and courage could turn the tide of war. Seventy-five years ago this month, Soldiers of the Army and National Guard faced down Nazism during the D-Day invasion of Normandy, saving Europe from totalitarian rule.
Today, we continue our fight against tyranny and terrorism around the globe. Wherever the call of duty finds you today as we celebrate this milestone, know that we salute you for your courage on the battlefield, your unfailing devotion to duty, and the sacrifices you and your family have made serving our great Nation. I am proud and honored to serve alongside each one of you: "Always Ready, Always There."