Since its official establishment, June 14, 1775 — more than a year before the Declaration of Independence — the U.S. Army has played a vital role in the growth and development of the American nation. Drawing on both long-standing militia traditions and recently introduced professional standards, it won the new republic's independence in an arduous eight-year struggle against Great Britain. At times, the Army provided the lone symbol of nationhood around which patriots rallied.

We celebrate the Army's accomplishments today with patriotism and gratitude for all the sacrifices Soldiers and their families have made!

To learn more about the Army’s 250th birthday, visit:
U.S. Army Celebrating 250 Years - https://www.army.mil/1775
DVIDS 250th Army Birthday - https://www.dvidshub.net/feature/ARMY250
U. S. Army Center of Military History - https://history.army.mil/Revwar250/

The Atlanta Vietnam Veterans Business Association Foundation is proud to present a 47-minute documentary film entitled “Truths and Myths About the Vietnam War” with introduction by actor Sam Elliott. The purpose of the film is to honor those who served in the Vietnam War by providing factual information to
address the decades of misinformation that have presented a skewed historical perspective of the war – a very important and long overdue film that presents the information and lessons learned that most Vietnam War veterans want reported about the war. Some of the truth we now know comes from Vietcong and North
Vietnamese archives and other disclosures made available over the last 50 years since the war ended.
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I maneuvered through the chairs and asked him if I could put the pin on his shirt. He looked a little
confused, like he didn’t realize what was happening. I told him it was my honor to place the pin on his shirt and welcome him home. At that point I saw a little glimmer of pride in his eyes. After the ceremony everyone walked across the roadway where lunch was being served. As I walked up to the end of the line, I
noticed an emblem on the jacket of a man waiting in line. It was of the 173 rd Airborne Brigade. The same
brigade my son Devin had been with when he parachuted into Iraq on March 20, 2003. Of course, I wanted
to speak with this man because of my interest in his patch. I touched the man on the arm to get his
attention. When he turned around, I realized it was the same Veteran I had pinned just minutes before. A
chill went up my spine and goosebumps developed on the back of my neck. God put this veteran in my
path that day. We visited for quite some time, and I learned so much more about the history of the “Sky
Soldiers”.
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Who would have thought I would receive a blessing by going to a Vietnam Ceremony?

Karen Alexander
American Gold Star Mother – Albuquerque Chapter