Originally written by my friend, Stuart Dempsey, Hall of Fame caliber Gettysburg licensed guide and D Day/Bulge tour guide (https://www.battlegroundhistorytours.com).
HAPPY 248th BIRTHDAY TO THE UNITED STATES ARMY
On June 14, 1775, the Continental Congress authorized an American ‘Continental Army’ to be raised with troops from the thirteen colonies – soon to be states. The next day, Congress by unanimous vote appointed George Washington as the new army’s commander.
The image shown, by renowned military artist Don Troiani, portrays an enlisted man of that army, specifically the First Pennsylvania Battalion, as he would have appeared in 1776. Contrary to popular perception (which often has Continentals in blue uniform coats), brown was at least as common, and probably more so, particularly in the conflict’s early years.
The First Pennsylvania Battalion was raised for one year’s service, from late 1775 to late 1776. The unit served exclusively with the Northern Army on the Canadian front, from Quebec to Fort Ticonderoga. When the battalion mustered out, many of its members reenlisted in the new Second Pennsylvania Regiment, a unit that would go on to fight at Brandywine, Germantown, Monmouth, and – in reorganized form – at the final victory at Yorktown in 1781.
On this day, we honor the men and women who have served in the US Army’s ranks for the last 248 years.
