Title
Recognizing the United States Army for providing for the safety and security of the nation since its creation in the City of Philadelphia 244 years ago.
Body
WHEREAS, The United States Army's history in Philadelphia began with the formation of the oldest regiment in Pennsylvania, the 111th Infantry Regiment, founded by Benjamin Franklin on November 21, 1747; and
WHEREAS, At the outset of the American Revolution, the colonies did not have a formal military with one chain of command. Instead, they relied on volunteer troops from militia companies in New England, which were locally led and supported. In the spring of 1775, as these troops prepared to face the British forces, the colonists recognized that they would only sustain a chance of victory if they organized and enlisted the support of all 13 colonies; and
WHEREAS, Meeting in Philadelphia on June 14, 1775, the Second Continental Congress formed the Continental Army as a means for the 13 unified American colonies to fight the forces of Britain. The troops based in Boston now had federal support. The Second Continental Congress also resolved to form a committee which would draft rules and regulations for the Army, allocated funds to support troops in Boston and New York, and authorized the creation of 10 companies of expert riflemen from Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia to support the existing militia forces in New England; and
WHEREAS, The United States Army's birthday is celebrated each year on this day, June 14th; and
WHEREAS, General George Washington was unanimously elected Commander-In-Chief of the new Army the next day, and he would lead the colonies to victory and independence; and
WHEREAS, Since its inception, the United States Army has developed leaders of character who have gone on to serve the Greater Philadelphia Area. It currently provides more than 150 different career paths in art, science, intelligence, combat, aviation, engineering, law and more; and
WHEREAS, The United Stat...
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