Before the American colonies even made their declaration of independence, the Second Continental Congress gathered together in Philadelphia 239 years ago to formally create a standing Army. Now the Army is more than 530,000 Soldiers strong, made up of valiant men and women from all walks of life, who dedicate themselves to the service of their Nation. On June 20, 2014, U.S. Army Alaska Soldiers, family and friends celebrated the Army's 239th birthday in the traditional fashion of a formal ceremony with toasts, dining and dancing and of course - cake.