Army strong unit celebrates Army birthday in Philadelphia Published June 15, 2012 By Capt. Antonia Greene 174th Infantry Brigade JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- If one were to trace the roots of the modern U.S. Army back to its founding family tree, it would have likely began in the City of Brotherly Love. Philadelphia was home to the Second Continental Congress which authorized the establishment of the Continental Army, June 14, 1775. The modern Army considers itself a descendant of the Continental Army founded in order to meet the demands of the American Revolutionary War and fight for independence. Two-hundred and thirty-seven years later, Philadelphia honored its legacy by hosting an Army birthday parade and celebration at Independence Hall and the Historic Area of Old City. Soldiers assigned to the 174th Infantry Brigade, First Army Division East supported the pageantry and tradition by showcasing modern Army vehicles and sharing their Army experiences with others . The U.S. Army along with the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, Philadelphia Flag Day Association, the National Park Service, City of Philadelphia, Association of the U.S. Army and the National Constitution Center combined efforts to support a joint Army birthday and Flag Day celebration. Both the U.S. Army and the American flag were created on June 14 in the city of Philadelphia. Two years after the founding of the Army, the Second Continental Congress which managed and directed the colonial war effort, passed the Flag Resolution. It reads: "Resolved, that the flag of the United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new Constellation." History says Gen. George Washington handed off a sketch of the national flag to a young seamstress from Philadelphia, Betsy Ross, and thus was the first flag born. This variant with the 13 stars arranged in a circle is still flown in many locations in the city and surrounding communities. No other city on earth can lay claim to the creation of either the Army or the national colors. The historical significance of Philadelphia is instrumental in American lineage.