234th Army birthday

Senior Leader Explains Army Birthday Celebration


Senior Leader Explains Army Birthday Celebration
Area Support Group Qatar Public Affairs Office
Story by Dustin Senger
Date: 06.12.2009
Posted: 06.13.2009 10:57

CAMP AS SAYLIYAH, Qatar – "I bring you greetings from the great state of Massachusetts, the birth place of our Army," said U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Mittie A. Smith, U.S. Army Garrison senior enlisted leader, during a speech honoring the 234th Army birthday at Camp As Sayliyah, Qatar, June 12. Smith traveled across the world to celebrate the Army birthday as a guest speaker for Soldiers stationed in Qatar.

During her remarks, Smith addressed an important question, "Why celebrate when the nation is at war?"

"What if your loved ones forgot, or failed, to celebrate your birthday or anniversary?" said Smith. "Your feelings would be tremendously hurt. You'd be disappointed and it would be difficult for them to recover ... because the occasion means something to you. You want your loved ones to remember that special day, regardless of what is going on in the world."

"Just like your birthday, the Army's birthday is a day of remembrance," she said. "It's a day of honor and respect ... a day to recognize the value of creation. On this 234th Army birthday, we pay special tribute to our non-commissioned officers, the backbone of our Army – hooah!"
click link for more

also on this


Soldier Inspired to Sing at Army Birthday Celebration
"I was really nervous but inspired," said U.S. Army Spc. Lisa Ratliff, from Copperas Cove, Texas, after a solo performance of the "The Star-Spangled Banner," during a celebration of the 234th Army birthday at Camp As Sayliyah, Qatar, June 12, 2009. "To honor the Year of the Non-commissioned Officer, I was hoping to help make the Army birthday ball in Qatar something spectacular."06.13.09, Story by Dustin Senger