RISMEDIA, June 14, 2007-The U.S. Army celebrates its 232nd birthday today, June 14 with commemorative? activities including ceremonial first pitches, parachute jumps, Future Soldier swearing-in ceremonies and Army Soldiers performing the national anthem at 19 sporting events across the country. A complete list of venues can be found on the Army Birthday Fact Sheet attached to this release.
The U.S. Army Parachute Team “Golden Knights” will help commemorate the birthday celebration by jumping into Baltimore’s Camden Yards and Cincinnati’s Great American Ballpark during pre-game ceremonies.
During 13 of the scheduled sporting events, several hundred new Soldiers will give their oath of enlistment during pre-game, on-field ceremonies at ballparks and stadiums. Birthday cake-cutting ceremonies at home plate will also take place in several ballparks.
In Baltimore, Gen. Richard A. Cody, Vice Chief of Staff of the Army, will administer the Oath of Enlistment to new recruits, and participate in a cake-cutting ceremony. The cake is tentatively scheduled to be made by the “Ace of Cakes”, the Baltimore-based bakery featured on a television show which airs on the Food Network.
At all 11 Major League Baseball games, local Soldiers who are Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom veterans will be participating in the ceremonial “first pitch.” In Miami, Staff Sgt. Tony Culberson, who was awarded a Bronze Star with Valor and a Purple Heart while serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom will be throwing out the game’s ceremonial first pitch.
In Cincinnati, Reds Chief Operating Officer John Allen will be honored in a commendation ceremony during the Reds-Angels game. Allen, who is an Army veteran, will join Col. Donald A. Bartholomew, a Cincinnati native, for a cake-cutting ceremony. Col. Bartholomew will throw the game’s ceremonial first pitch, with Maj. Gen. Thomas Bostick administering the Oath of Enlistment to new recruits.
“The Army’s 232nd Birthday is a time to reflect on the service and sacrifice our Soldiers and their families have made in winning and protecting America’s freedom,” said Col. Thomas E. Nickerson, Director, G7/9 (Strategic Communication, Outreach and Marketing Directorate), U.S. Army Accessions Command.
“U.S. Army Soldiers are mentally, emotionally, and physically strong. They consistently take pride in making a difference for themselves, their families, their communities, and their nation. As we celebrate the Army’s birthday, we also remember our Soldiers, past and present, and honor them for their service to our Nation.”
These birthday activities are in conjunction with the Army’s Patriot Season, which honors America’s soldiers — past, present and future – and their families. Patriot Season runs from Armed Forces Day (May 15) through Independence Day (July 4). Patriot Season also provides opportunities for Army prospects to interact with Soldiers and hear their stories and dedication to protecting our country.
As June 14 also marks the anniversary of the creation of the U.S. flag, the U.S. Army invites the nation to honor America’s Soldiers and the American flag they proudly defend.
The American flag was created in 1777 by Betsy Ross, a seamstress from Philadelphia, two years following the formation of this country’s Army. Although a coincidence that these two symbols of America share an anniversary, Flag Day serves as a reminder to honor the U.S. Army’s dedication to ensure freedom’s light shines as a beacon throughout the world.
Army Birthday Fact Sheet
Army Birthday week includes the celebration of the U.S. Army’s 232nd birthday and Flag Day — both on June 14 — at numerous sporting events across the country as a tribute to the contribution and sacrifices made by soldiers to protect the liberties symbolized by the U.S. Flag. This year’s festivities will take place at Major League Baseball games, Major League Soccer games, NASCAR, NHRA and PBR (Professional Bull Riding).
The venues and teams that will be involved with the Army’s birthday celebration this year include (June 14 unless noted):
– Chicago, Torco Racing Fuels Route 66 NHRA Nationals – NHRA (June 8-10)
– Phoenix, Los Angeles Avengers vs. Arizona Rattlers – AFL (June 11)
Major League Baseball
– Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia Phillies vs. Chicago White Sox
– Tropicana Field, Tampa Bay Devil Rays vs. San Diego Padres
– Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles Dodgers vs. New York Mets
– Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati Reds vs. Los Angeles Angels
– Minute Maid Park, Houston Astros vs. Oakland Athletics
– Metrodome, Minnesota Twins vs. Atlanta Braves
– Comerica Park, Detroit Tigers vs. Milwaukee Brewers
– Kaufman Stadium, Kansas City Royals vs. St. Louis Cardinals
– Dolphin Stadium, Florida Marlins vs. Cleveland Indians
– PNC Park, Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Texas Rangers
– Camden Yards, Baltimore Orioles vs. Washington Nationals
Major League Soccer
– Washington D.C., D.C. United vs. Chicago Fire (June 16)
– New York City, New York Red Bulls vs. Kansas City Wizards (June 16)
– Los Angeles, Los Angeles Galaxy vs. Real Salt Lake (June 17)
– Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh Air Show — Sky Soldiers (June 15-17)
– Detroit, Michigan International Speedway — NASCAR (June 17)
– Nashville, Jack Daniels Invitational — PBR (June 16-17)
