“The central theme for the Army celebration is “This We’ll Defend.” The central theme for the Chaplain Corps celebration is “Celebrating 250 Years of Sacred Service.”
The Army’s article continues: “Since the Army’s establishment in 1775, Soldiers, Families and Army civilians have supported our nation, bearing true faith and allegiance to the country, the U.S. Constitution, the Army, their units and fellow team members.
“As we prepare for our future we also reflect on our past. ‘This we’ll defend’ was first used as a battle cry by the Continental Army. Today it reminds us that our Army’s purpose is clear: To fight and win the nation’s wars,” said Gen. Randy A. George, Chief of Staff of the Army. “We remain committed to honing our warfighting skills, enforcing standards and discipline and living the values that have defined our Army culture for the past 250 years.”
The Army has a rich legacy. One year older than the nation it defends, the Army has dedicated itself to fighting and winning the nation’s wars for 250 years. As we celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States Army, we reflect on that rich history and legacy of service, sacrifice, and dedication. From the Revolutionary War to present-day missions, our Soldiers have consistently demonstrated their resolve to defend freedom at home and abroad.
The Chaplain Corps is part of that 250-year history and legacy.
“Our Corps was established just six weeks after our Army was established on June 14, 1775,” said Chaplain (Maj. Gen.) William “Bill” Green, Jr., Army Chief of Chaplains. “General George Washington requested that chaplains be added to the Army to meet Soldier’s religious and spiritual needs and to support good morals and morale. The Continental Congress responded authorizing one chaplain for each regular Army regiment of the Continental Army.”
The Chaplain Corps was established on July 29, 1775, and 218 chaplains served in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. Army chaplains have participated in every major conflict involving the United States since. The Chaplain Corps has eight recipients of the Medal of Honor. Chaplain Emil Kapaun is a recipient from the Korean War. He is also on the pathway to Catholic sainthood.
Today’s Total Force Chaplain Corps includes more than 3,000 chaplains, nearly 3,000 religious affairs specialists, more than 500 chaplain candidates, more than 50 directors of religious education and nearly 100 other Department of the Army civilians.
Chaplains are professional military religious leaders who are individually endorsed and authorized to serve in the Army by distinctive civilian religious organizations. They contribute to Army readiness by providing religious and spiritual support to America’s Soldiers and their Families while assisting commanders in ensuring their right to the free exercise of religion.