2005 press releases
Celebration of U.S. Army 230th Birthday
June 14, 2005
U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Jeffrey D. Feltman addressed senior and key members of the Lebanese Armed Forces on the occasion of the U.S. Army’s celebration of its 230th birthday at a ceremony at Jounieh Military complex, on Friday, June 10, 2005. In his remarks, Ambassador Feltman underscored the importance the United States attaches to its military relationship with Lebanon, describing it as one of continuity, commitment and confidence. Ambassador Feltman noted that the U.S. Army celebrates the day that General George Washington assumed command over a unified army on June 14, 1775 as the U.S. Army Birthday. “The Founding Fathers wisely recognized that multiple state militias, each with their own leaders, undermined unity and effectiveness,” explained Ambassador Feltman and thus the U.S. Army was born.
Following are excerpts from Ambassador Feltman’s remarks:
“Two hundred and thirty years ago, on June 14, 1775—even before our Founding Fathers put their names on the historic document that would announce their Declaration of Independence from Great Britain, the Continental Congress determined that a national army was required. With aspirations already of becoming a strong nation, the Founding Fathers wisely recognized that multiple state militias, each with their own leaders, undermined unity and effectiveness. Thus, the Continental Army was created. With ten companies of riflemen immediately raised, General George Washington assumed command over a unified army with a single objective—to secure independence for the people of America.
Two hundred and thirty years later, a strong and unified U.S. Army deploys more than 262,000 troops to serve in 120 different countries. More than just a military force, the U.S. Army also carries out humanitarian operations around the world, most notably this past year, in Afghanistan, Bosnia, Haiti, Iraq, and Indonesia.
In its relationship with Lebanon, the U.S. is committed to helping the LAF modernize its operations—a commitment that attests to America’s confidence in the Lebanese Armed Forces. As the LAF adopts an all-volunteer force and downsizes, the U.S. stands committed to offering assistance to enable the Lebanese Armed Forces to become a more modern and mobile force. As Lebanon’s biggest partner, the United States provides $700,000 a year in International Military Education and Training (IMET) funds. More than 60 Lebanese officers study in U.S. military schools a year—and more than 847 have traveled since the program’s inception in 1993.
And the U.S. is proud of its cooperation with the LAF in demining operations—bringing the day closer when every child, every teenager, every adult, can walk the earth in safety, free from the fear of land mines and unexploded ordnance.
The U.S. remains committed to providing continuity in its military relationship with Lebanon, and it confirms its confidence in the LAF to provide stability during these challenging times. The LAF’s professionalism, restraint and maturity during the past three months bear testament to the LAF’s abilities. The United States stands ready to work with you now and in the future to ensure that the Lebanese people enjoy the security and sovereignty, freedom and independence, they desire and deserve.”
