Or, is it?

On Sunday, June 14, the United States Army will blow out the candles for its 240th birthday. That’s old. Even for a military force.

But how, when and why did it get its start?

It was born in 1775, when the Continental Congress created the organized infantry from the willing warriors of the colonies to take on Great Britain. They appointed a chap by the name of George Washington to lead it. Not the worst idea they ever had.

Naturally, the debut version of the U.S. Army was made up of mostly former British fighters, who were now living in America. In the following years, however, a bunch of difference influences shaped its culture and attitude. Among them were French aid, other European soldiers and a bright Prussian mind who went by the name of Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben.

Over the years, much has changed, but what hasn’t is the idea that the freedom and liberty of the United States should be protected at all costs — and in that grand spirit many men and women soldiers have sacrificed everything, including their lives, to keep that ideal intact.

So, on Sunday, let’s take a moment to remember those who have made it possible for the Army to turn such a ripe old age: those very soldiers themselves.

Wikipedia