Happy B-Day Army!

In 1775 the Continental Army was established, meaning this day is the US Army's 237th birthday.
In 1777 the "Stars and Stripes" was adopted as the official US flag.
And in 1954 President Eisenhower approved the addition of "under God" to the Pledge of Allegiance.
Oh, and it's Flag Day.  (I wonder if that is a coincidence, considering "Old Glory" was adopted on June 14th... hmm...)
Now, I'm a big fan of the Navy and Marines, but that doesn't mean I am anti-army.  Kinda hard to be against a branch of the military when you like studying military history.  Especially with a family that has a fair amount of military connection.
My grandfathers both served in World War II, Gordon in the Army Air Force and Lee in the Navy.  Megan's grandfather Lester served in the Navy too.  I have an uncle who served in the Air Force, as has his son, and two of my wife's uncles.  And my father-in-law, Tom, served in the Army.  In fact, he served for a while with the 3rd Infantry Regiment.
The "Old Guard" is based in Washington D.C. and is the oldest infantry unit.  Their role is primarily ceremonial.  It is this esteemed unit that tends Arlington National Cemetery, including guarding the Tomb of the Unknowns.  While serving with them, my father-in-law was responsible for changing the guard at the Tomb, and even got to open the door for President Ford at the White House.  Now he participates in the Memorial Day services every year, often speaking about his experiences and his view on the nation he loves and defended.
But his stories don't stop on November 11th.  One of the most memorable, to me, is about his time in Germany.  He was driving someone around in a Jeep, and was told to go around some M113 armored personnel carriers.  However, the road had a steep hill instead of a shoulder.  Tom voiced his concerns about rolling the vehicle, but was told that Jeeps are impossible to roll.  Guess what, they rolled the Jeep.  No one hurt, pride not included.
Tom is a collector of stories, having a number of friends who are retired military.  His personality and ability to make friends with almost anyone in less than 5 minutes is becoming almost a superpower (my opinion).  It is this personable nature that aided him in climbing the ranks while in the Army.  Everyday, while moving Jeeps about the base, he would pass a General each morning.  Not content with saluting, he would greet the General every day.  Apparently that looks good when promotions come around.
Anyway, I realize that I've been rambling, and it took me all day to get around to it.  If everyone wants, I can have Tom tell his stories on this blog, but I'm not sure how he'd adjust to the world of blog.  Heck, I still haven't fully acclimated myself.  Not that it's going to stop me.
Anyway, happy birthday Army.