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This Sunday, June 14, combines a pair of celebrations. One commemorates the birthday of the US Army. The Infantry was founded on 14 June 1775, when the Continental Congress authorized formation of ten companies of “expert riflemen” to serve the “United Colonies” for one year. As the Revolutionary War began April 19, 1775 with skirmishes between the Crown and Massachusetts militiamen, it seemed appropriate to organize a national group to meet the threat. While the Congress had hoped for reconciliation with the British government, it was apparent that a shooting war was now ongoing. That small rebellion had become a war for independence. The Continental Army was established.
According to the Army website, the Congress acted thus: “Resolved, That six companies of expert riflemen, be immediately raised in Pennsylvania, two in Maryland, and two in Virginia… [and] as soon as completed, shall march and join the army near Boston, to be there employed as light infantry, under the command of the chief Officer in that army." The next day George Washington was put in command of “Continental Forces.”
Since then, the Army has grown. Over just a few days, Congress authorized the Adjutant General’s Corps, Corps of Engineers, Finance Corps and Quartermaster Corps. Artillery was added later in the year, with Ordnance commencing in 1812 and Signal in 1860.
Special Branches – Medical, Chaplains and Judge Advocate General – were authorized in July 1775.
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In the resolution specifying the original flag, Congress wrote, “Resolved, that the Flag of the thirteen United States shall be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the Union be thirteen stars, white on a blue field, representing a new constellation.”
According to the website of the Library of Congress, there have since been twenty-seven official versions of Old Glory.
June 14 is the date of commemoration of the Grand Old Flag’s adoption – and it’s the Army’s birthday. While this doesn’t directly connect with activities like sporting clays, cowboy action shooting, 3-gun competition, long range precision shooting or Camp Perry, June 14th is a date that has a lot to do with shooting. It was shooting in Massachusetts that drove formation of the first American army and the formation of separate, sovereign states into a union. That sad occasion caused a flag to be recognized. Lots of shots have been fired over the span of that flag; not to protect it, but to protect what it stands for.
Whether or not you can get to the range on Sunday, June 14th to participate responsibly and safely in the freedom that permits shooting sports, take a moment to think of all that led up to this point in history. Consider where we are and where we may be headed.
Think of all those who served that flag in that army – and serves it still in elements of the US military. And give thanks.
-- Rich Grassi