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Centenarian veteran and lieutenant cut birthday cake for US Army.
For 250 years, the Army's pomp and ceremony cake-cutting tradition has remained unchanged.
Published June 17, 2024 at 3:02pm by Rachel Royster
U.S. Army’s 249th Birthday Celebration in Austin
"Do everything you can for your country because there's only one of them." – Pvt. Chester "Buck" Sloan
AUSTIN, Texas – A ceremonial sword cuts through the cake as the U.S. Army celebrates its 249th birthday. Private Chester "Buck" Sloan, 100, and Lt. Sebastian Houng, 25, led the tradition of the oldest and youngest soldiers cutting the cake.
"The most interesting thing is, you'll run back into them... the conversation will start back, the camaraderie... That's the Army and the Army family. It's very powerful." – Command Sgt. Maj. Brian Hester
The event, hosted by the Army Futures Command, included an address by Gen. James E. Rainey, who highlighted the Army's role in building the nation. Maj. Hester also spoke, emphasizing the sense of family and camaraderie within the Army.
Sloan, a WWII veteran, offered wisdom gained from his years of service, including a recent trip to Normandy for the 80th anniversary of D-Day, where he exchanged songs with French schoolchildren. Houng, a quarter-century his junior, was honored to take part in the ceremony.
The celebration, attended by 200, also featured songs led by a band from Camp Mabry’s 36th Infantry Division.
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