On Aug. 25, 1917, the 34th Infantry "Sandstorm" Division was organized at Camp Cody, New Mexico. While the distinctive unit patch was also created by Iowa National Guard soldier and regionalist artist Marvin Cone in that same year, the division did not take on the nickname "Red Bull" until World War II.The division's birthday is specified as the official "unit day" of the 34th Infantry Division by the U.S. Army's Center of Military History. As such, this day is to be commemorated with stories, displays, and ceremonies of the unit's past accomplishments.
According to Army Regulation 870-5 (Chapter 6, Section 2, Paragraph C): "Each organization should observe its Unit Day as a training holiday and commemorate its history in ceremonies that stress unit lineage, honors, heritage, and traditions, as well as personal accomplishments of former and current unit members. The Unit Day program may also feature such activities as parades, concerts, sports, and other competitive events."
Given that the 2nd Brigade Combat Team (B.C.T.), 34th Infantry Division (2-34 BCT) is currently preparing for deployment to Afghanistan at Camp Shelby, Miss., its soldiers are unlikely to enjoy any special events today.
Unless, of course, one can sweat competitively. Or hold a roach parade.
I'll keep you posted.
Wow, our unit's national guard patch is an animal that is extinct. The Ca grizzly bear...none are left.
ReplyDeleteWhen my husband and I toured the Hoover Dam a couple years ago, we went to the new visitor's center. They have a very old WW1 Army uniform inside a display case. It's wool, everything on it is hand sewn, it's a beautiful delicate piece of history.. Of course the first thing we noticed was the unit insignia on the left shoulder. It's the same one that my husband proudly wears 90 years later.
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