June 14 is the 249th birthday of the U.S. Army, the oldest branch of the U.S. military, and a birthday celebration was held in New York City’s Times Square. The event celebrated the army’s values of honor, duty, and courage and also served as the swear-in ceremony for new recruits.
New York City has a special history, having provided the Army with more soldiers than anywhere else during the Civil War and afterward as well. The city continues to put over 50 soldiers into the Army every week. Army officials said that serving the country teaches discipline and leadership, lessons that will follow service members throughout their lives.