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West Point Class of 1969

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May 18 2025

250th Birthday of the Army – Tribute to Veterans

We know and hold in high esteem, the early leaders of the U.S. Army who fought so valiantly for our freedom. George Washington, Nathanael Green, Henry Knox, Ethan Allen. We have been taught about heroes of later years: Andrew Jackson, Winfield Scott in the War of 1812; Zachary Taylor in the Mexican War, dozens of heroes of the Civil War; Walter Reed and Leonard Wood of the Spanish-American War; in WWI, John J. Pershing, Edwin Hubble; Dwight Eisenhower, Audie Murphy and many more who served in WWII; Douglas MacArthur in Korea, Creighton Abrams among many others in the Vietnam War, Norman Schwartzkopf in the Iraq War and many heroes from the years in Afghanistan. I would like to make my tribute to those millions of soldiers who served under/with our famous heroes – the ones we don’t know by name. They were heroes – all – because they were willing to give their lives to protect us and our way of life. Many were our fathers, husbands, sons, brothers, sisters. Along with the hundreds of thousands of nameless patriots, we should remember all of the families that supported, encouraged and waited for their own personal hero. Sometimes, it was hard, but hard builds character and those who have been associated with our Army, its leaders and its values (https://thedaysforward.com/framing-the-army-of-the-future-1995/ ) have contributed to our country during their service to our country and for most in their lives after serving. Their strong and patriotic essence is the backbone of our land, for they continue to make their communities better because of their love of country and for the values that they internalized and are passing on to the next generation. Having been associated with these folks for many years has been the most unique and enriching experience and I salute you all!

Written by Suzanne Rice · Categorized: By Suzanne Rice

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Janie Taylor says

    Jun 14, 2025 at 11:47 am

    Thank you, Suzanne, for setting the stage for this 250 year celebration.

    Reply
  2. Jim McDonough says

    Jun 14, 2025 at 2:35 pm

    Suzanne, we from the Class of 69 owe you and your family deep appreciation for having us given years of reflection by your dedication to this website. Many thanks.

    Jim

    Reply
  3. William J. Bahr says

    Jun 14, 2025 at 2:39 pm

    Dear Suzanne:

    Thanks for another great post and especially for teaching me more about Edwin Hubble.

    Hope you have a Happy Army Birthday!

    Best regards & BOTL,
    Bill

    Reply
  4. Ray Dupere says

    Jun 14, 2025 at 3:01 pm

    Thanks, Suzanne, for this 250th Army Birthday idea … and thanks for all you’ve done shepherding this wonderful Days Forward project for the last 10+ years.

    Reply
  5. DENIS GULAKOWSKI says

    Jun 14, 2025 at 4:16 pm

    Such a meaningful article. Suzanne. In such a great idea for the Army’s birthday and our class. As soon as I saw your request, it meant so much for me to add my personal thoughts. I know our class thoroughly appreciates the effort of you and your team at the DaysForward. It is such a tribute to the Best of the Line.

    Reply
  6. mary ann albanese says

    Jun 14, 2025 at 7:43 pm

    Suzanne,

    What a beautifully written post on this special day.

    Thank you so much for all you have done on The Days Forward to help all of
    us to remember and relive all these wonderful memories.

    As ever,

    Mary Ann Albanese

    Reply
  7. Tom Wheelock says

    Jun 16, 2025 at 6:38 pm

    Suzanne — Thank you for your eloquent tribute to all those who served in the US Army.

    Reply
  8. Eric Robyn says

    Jun 16, 2025 at 6:59 pm

    Suzanne, thanks so much for your thoughtful article and once again for reminding us to slow down, remember, and be grateful for this amazing institution of the US Army. And special thanks to the whole TDF Team for your years of faithful service to keep us all in touch!

    Reply

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