As the U.S. Army Band played, the flags of the 50 states and six U.S. territories snapped in the breeze. Crowds lined the steps of the Capitol to watch the June 18 event ­ a celebration of the Army's 223rd birthday.

To mark the day 172 battle streamers were placed on the Army flag, a symbol of two centuries of sacrifice by Army men and women. Campaign streamers were first adopted during the Civil War, when units would have names of the battles they fought embroidered on their unit colors.

The practice was replaced in the 1890s when silver bands, on which battle names were engraved, were wrapped around flag staffs.

After the outbreak of World War I, the soldiers of the American Expeditionary Force were unable to get silver bands, so Gen. John J. "Black Jack" Pershing, commander of U.S. troops in Europe, authorized the use of small ribbons inscribed with the battle names. The practice was formally adopted in 1921.

The 172 campaign streamers on the Army flag represent the Army's participation in 19 wars and campaigns, beginning with the Revolutionary War and ending with Operation Desert Storm in 1991.

During last week's ceremony, the streamers were placed on the Army flag in chronological order by soldiers dressed in the uniforms of the appropriate eras.

With each streamer placement, the Army Band played music of the period.

After the final streamers were attached, Army Chief of Staff Gen. Dennis J. Reimer thanked the crowd and Congress for their continued support. "Today as we celebrate the 223rd anniversary and birthday of the United States Army, we remember and give thanks," he said.

"We remember the millions of soldiers who have served our country, who have provided selfless service to the common defense ... that has made us the land of the free and the home of the brave," he said.

He also stressed the importance of the Army Reserves and National Guard in the Army, saying the Army could not function without the reserve components.

"We also rededicate ourselves to the principles that were set forth on the battlefield of Bunker Hill and every battlefield since then," Reimer said. "The principles of one team, one fight, one future -- one team, active, United Stares Army Reserve, Army National Guard, [Department of the Army] civilians fighting one fight.

"Every effort we undertake is a total-Army effort in one future, committed to the selfless service of our nation. Ladies and gentlemen, that's what the Army birthday is all about," he said.

Acting Secretary of the Army Robert M. Walker told the crowd, "These soldiers you see before you today are the best of America. We need them to keep our country free. And let us never forget that we owe our soldiers so very much."

"Today 36,000 soldiers are deployed in 82 countries. "As they uphold America's interests around the world, let us rededicate ourselves and our support for them," Walker added.

Following the speeches Reimer, Walker and Sgt. Maj. of the Army Robert Hall cut the Army birthday cake and invited the congressional leadership and public to join them for refreshments.