Many of you have had occasion to visit an airport terminal or other public venue this year, where you have seen or spoken with one of the many brave men and women of our United States Army as they deploy or return from missions in Iraq, Afghanistan and across the globe.

These Soldiers are part of a proud service founded on June 14, 1775 that is comprised of individuals who have distinguished themselves in both war and in peace as they have advanced the cause of freedom.

Today, as we mark the 232nd birthday of the United States Army, I ask you to join me in grateful recognition of the service and sacrifice of all Soldiers and their families and encourage you to keep them in your thoughts and prayers. You may want take a moment to offer a personal ‘thank you’ to those who have Soldiers serving today or those who’s loved ones have made the ultimate sacrifice so that each of us, and our extended families, can enjoy the freedom and bounty of these United States of America.

For more information on ways that you can honor and help our Soldiers, visit the Army’s web site at www.army.mil. The site features “On Behalf of a Grateful Nation” a web page dedicated those who have given their lives for liberty in the War on Terrorism ( www.army.mil/features/gratefulnation/ );outreach resources including officially sanctioned organizations that will help you provide our Soldiers with encouragement from home ( www.4army.mil/outreach/support/ );and access to an official birthday web site that provides multimedia content, calendars of events and data related to this year’s celebration ( www.army.mil/birthday/232/ ).

Happy Birthday to the United States Army.