How does June 14th, 15th, and 16th involve the US ARMY and George Washington?

How does June 14th, 15th, and 16th, 1775 involve the United States ARMY, and General George Washington?

When the Second Continental Congress was meeting in Philadelphia the delegates realized they needed a unified ARMY supported and manned by citizens from all the colonies. Every colony sought independence, but the was no cooperation among the militias of the 13 colonies and no commander over all of them. On June 14th, the Second Continental Congress authorized the creation of a continental ARMY.

June 14th is celebrated as the beginning and birthday of the United States ARMY. It is also celebrated as Flag Day.

June 15th, 1775 John Adams, a delegate from Massachusetts, one of America’s smartest patriots, nominated George Washington to be the Commanding General of the newly forming Continental Army. This came as a surprise to John Hancock, President of the 2nd Continental Congress, who expected his friend John Adams to nominate him to be Commander of the Continental ARMY.

John Adams realized that a Commander coming from New England would alienate the south. George Washington was a delegate from Virginia, part of the southern group of colonies. Secondly, John Adams recognized George Washington’s military experience from fighting in the French and Indian War. John Hancock had no experience as a troop leader. Thirdly, George Washington’s nomination and appointment as Commander of the Continental ARMY a unifying effect on the delegates at the convention and the colonies they represented. On June 15th, 1775 the second continental Congress unanimously elected George Washington as commander of the continental army.

On June 16th, 1775 George Washington was installed as Commander of the new Continental army.

Perie Pitts
Vacation Liberty School