New York Army National Guard Marks Army's Birthday with Cake Cutting on June 14

LATHAM, NY (06/13/2012)(readMedia)-- The New York Army National Guard will mark the 237th birthday of the United States Army on Thursday, June 14 at the New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs Headquarters with a traditional cake-cutting ceremony.

WHO: Members of the New York Army National Guard assigned to Joint Force Headquarters, New York National Guard.

WHAT: Traditional cake-cutting ceremony commemorating June 14, 1775 which the United States Army considers its birthday. On that date the Continental Congress voted to adopt the New England colonial militia troops assembled outside of Boston to confront British troops there. This is considered the creation of the Continental Army. The oldest Soldier present will join the youngest Soldier present to cut the Army birthday cake. The Capital Region Chapter of the Association of the United States Army is providing the cake.

WHERE: Division of Military and Naval Affairs Headquarters, 330 Old Niskayuna Road, Latham N.Y., 12110

WHEN: 1 p.m., Thursday, June 14, 2012.

Coverage opportunities:

Reporters can interview New York Army National Guard leaders and Soldiers and obtain imagery of the cake cutting ceremony.

Background:

The Army's Birthday:

When the American Revolution broke out, the rebellious colonies did not possess an army in the modern sense. The revolutionaries fielded an amateur force of colonial troops, cobbled together from various New England militia companies. They had no unified chain of command, and although Artemas Ward of Massachusetts exercised authority by informal agreement, officers from other colonies were not obligated to obey his orders. The American volunteers were led, equipped, armed, paid for, and supported by the colonies from which they were raised.

In the spring of 1775, this "army" was about to confront British troops near Boston, Massachusetts. The revolutionaries had to re-organize their forces quickly if they were to stand a chance against Britain's seasoned professionals. Recognizing the need to enlist the support of all of the American seaboard colonies, the Massachusetts Provincial Congress appealed to the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia to assume authority for the New England army. Reportedly, at John Adams' request, Congress voted to "adopt" the Boston troops on June 14, although there is no written record of this decision. Also on this day, Congress resolved to form a committee "to bring in a draft of rules and regulations for the government of the Army," and voted $2,000,000 to support the forces around Boston, and those at New York City. Moreover, Congress authorized the formation of ten companies of expert riflemen from Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia, which were directed to march to Boston to support the New England militia.

George Washington received his appointment as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army the next day, and formally took command at Boston on July 3, 1775.

Cake Cuters:

Private Reid Frasier, age 19, who joined the Army National Guard on January 27, 2011 will represent the youngest Soldiers of the New York Army National Guard; the future of the Army. Frasier is from Saratoga Springs, N.Y.

Brigadier General (one-star) Renwick Payne, from Loudonville, N.Y., and joined the Army National Guard in 1974, receiving his officer commission in 1979, will represent the present and past of the Army. President Obama recently selected Payne for new responsibilities as the Adjutant General of the District of Colombia. More information on that new position can be found at readme.readmedia.com/Pres-Obama-appoints-Brig-Gen-Payne-deputy-director-adjutant-general-of-the-D-C-Guard/4178142