Scott's View: Today We Commemorate Flag Day and Celebrate the U.S. Army's Birthday

The date of the founding of our first military forces and the most powerful symbol of the freedoms we have forged throughout our history are forever linked: America’s Army was founded on June 14, 1775, the same day as our U.S. Flag. Today, Flag Day, the official day of commemoration of the founding of our American flag, is celebrated each year on June 14th, the U.S. Army’s Birthday.

This year, we recognize that our flag has been steadfastly representing the nation for over 241 years, on our patriotic holidays-- President's Day, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Veterans Day--on private properties and in public venues, in battle and on our bases, peacetime, and wartime, the flag flies with meaning at full mast and half.

Above all, our flag symbolizes everything we stand for in this great country of ours. In the land of the free and the home of the brave, our flag has guided and comforted untold numbers of servicemembers through the best and the worst of times.  I’m sure each of us recalls a time when our nation’s stars and stripes have been presented to the family in a military funeral as a symbol of respect and gratitude for a veteran’s past service or perhaps the fellow military member for their ultimate sacrifice to our country.

On this same day, in celebration of the Army’s 241st birthday, we recognize our total Army Force and their contributions our national defense. So remember to take the opportunity to show your gratitude to someone who served in the Army or is currently serving— simply thank them, or more importantly, take the time to engage them in a personal conversation about their service experience. Where are you stationed? What’s your MOS? It will mean a lot to them, and you’ll learn something, too.