Rangel Celebrates the U.S. Army's 240th Birthday and Honors Flag Day

Statement

Congressman Charles Rangel, who represents the 13th Congressional District of New York that includes upper Manhattan and parts of the Bronx, released the following statement on Flag Day and the 240th birthday of the United States Army.

"I am proud to celebrate the 240th birthday of the United States Army to honor those who have served to secure our shores and fight for freedom. It falls on the same day as we observe Flag Day, as we salute the flag that adorns the uniforms of our Armed Forces. Although the number of the Stars and Stripes has changed over the years, its significance and symbolism have not diminished. The Flag remains a symbol of freedom and liberty, and helped unite a new nation 200 years ago.

The Army has been at the forefront of defending the United States of America, from liberating Boston with single shot muskets to liberating Western Europe with tanks and aircraft. The battlefields may have changed and the technology has evolved but the Army's commitment to the constitutional principles has weathered every war. Today the Army has over 400,000 brave men and women serving in its ranks and another 250,000 in the Reserve. As a proud Army veteran of the Korean War, I know firsthand the sacrifices our service men and women make every day, and thank them for their contributions to our nation.

The Army throughout its history has defended our freedom so liberty could triumph. Our Flag to this day serves as an inspiration to people at home and abroad. As we celebrate Army's birthday and Flag Day, let us pay tribute to those who have fought to preserve America's lasting legacy."

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