RAFINO

RAFINO Report
ISSUE 24 - Spring 2000
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Happy Birthday, Army
&
Toast to the Flag

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ARMY

June 14 is Flag Day and also the Army’s 225th Birthday. (1775-2000). "The U.S. Army counts itself among the oldest institutions, born 225 years ago on June 14, 1775, even before there was a Declaration of Independence. The ten companies of  ‘expert riflemen’ authorized by the Second Continental Congress actually were latecomers to Revolutionary combat." Patriot militia had smelled battle smoke at Lexington, Concord and Bunker Hill, and had seized the bastion at Fort Ticonderoga, before the Continental Army and its new commander-in-chief, George Washington, joined the picture.

(Ed. This reminder of our great and long heritage was researched and provided by Dick Darcy. Dick also provided the following poem that is taken from The Officer Review magazine, May 2000, page 14; a monthly publication of The Military Order of the World Wars.)

Toast to the Flag
By
John Daly

1917

Here’s to the red of it—
There’s not a thread of it,
No, not a shred of it
In all the spread of it
From foot to head,
But heroes bled for it,
Faced steel and lead for it,
Precious blood shed for it,
Bathing it Red!

Here’s to the white of it—
Thrilled by the sight of it,
Who knows the right of it
But feels the might of it
Through day and night?
Womanhood’s care for it
Made manhood dare for it,
Purity’s prayer for it
Keeps it so white!

Here’s to the blue of it—
Beauteous view of it,
Heavenly hue of it,
Star spangled dew of it
Constant and true;
Diadems gleam for it,
States stand supreme for it
Liberty’s beam for it
Brightens the Blue

Here’s to the whole of it—
Stars, stripes and pole of it,
Body and Soul of it,
O, and the roll of it,
Sun shining through;
Hearts in accord for it,
Swear by the sword for it,
Thanking the Lord for it,
Red, White, and Blue!