June 14, 1775 marks the date that the Continental Congress, voting in secret session, reached the momentous decision to establish a "Continental Army." Because of the secrecy of the meeting, the records indicate only that the Congress agreed to undertake the raising of ten companies of riflemen, whose enlistment would be for one year only, and appointed a committee (including Washington and Schuyler) to draft rules and regulations for the government of the army. Until then, loosely organized militias and individual patriots bore the brunt of the opposition to British occupation of the colonies. Many of the initial units were formed from the estimated 10,000 men that made up existing New England troops, plus another 5,000 men from New York and Connecticut who were defending various points in New York.
This year, we celebrate 240 years of selfless service to the nation. "Selfless service is at the core of what it means to be a Soldier - putting the welfare of others ahead of oneself. The willingness of our Soldiers to place themselves in harm's way and to protect our nation's freedoms is what makes us the greatest Armed Forces in the world. The men and women who have made up the US Army have served proudly, faithfully, and selflessly for 240 years, and remain steadfast in their commitment to protect and defend until today."
In the 240 years since the establishment of the US Army, it is estimated that more than 1.4 million Americans gave their lives, plus another 1.5 million men and women who were wounded in combat against the enemies of the United States of America. This selfless service and willingness to sacrifice one's own life to defend our nation and the freedoms that all American's enjoy is what marks those who proudly wear the Purple Heart medal as true American Patriots.
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