Posted on June 22, 2021
In June 2021, the Far East District reflects on the great accomplishments of the U.S. Army and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as the nation celebrates their establishments. FED is proud to contribute to the greater USACE mission of sustaining readiness through building and protecting.
The U.S. Army’s 246th birthday is June 14, a day we celebrate the Army Total Force comprised of Soldiers from all components of the Army and Department of the Army Civilians and their contributions toward our Nation’s defense.
The history of USACE can be traced back to June 16, 1775, when the Continental Congress organized an army with a chief engineer and two assistants. Col. Richard Gridley became Gen. George Washington’s first chief engineer; however, it was not until 1779 that Congress created a separate Corps of Engineers. Army engineers, including several French officers, were instrumental in some of the hard-fought battles of the Revolutionary War, including Bunker Hill, Saratoga, and the final victory at Yorktown.
“As we celebrate the 246th birthday of the United States Army, we honor all those who serve and strive to live up to the legacy of our heroes of generations past,” said Gen. James McConville, Army Chief of Staff.
Since the Revolutionary War, and all subsequent American wars thereafter, engineers have served in combat. Throughout the nineteenth century, the Corps built coastal fortifications, surveyed roads, canals, eliminated navigational hazards, explored, and mapped the Western frontier; and constructed buildings and monuments in the Nation’s capital.
“This past year, our Soldiers and Civilians have protected the nation from threats around the world while supporting the whole-of-nation fight against COVID-19, responding to civil unrest and protecting Americans from hurricanes and wildfires,” said McConville. “It is truly a privilege to serve with the greatest Soldiers in the world.”
