April 23, 1983
Established on April 23 seventy-five years ago, the United States Army Reserve traces its roots to
the proud tradition of the citizen-soldier of the American Revolution. Created as the Medical
Reserve Corps, the Army Reserve has become the largest Federal Reserve component in the
Armed Forces of the United States. It now is composed of Army Reserve Troop Units, the
Individual Ready Reserve, the Standby Reserve, and the Retired Reserve.
Since 1908, Army Reservists have been called to active duty in emergencies. Almost 170,000
Reservists served in World War I. In World War II, an estimated 217,250 soldiers were mobilized
from the Army Reserve to fight in the European and Pacific Theaters of war. Army Reservists
also served with pride and distinction during the Korean War, the Berlin Crisis in 1961, and the
Vietnam conflict.
Today, the Army Reserve is an integral element of the Army, providing over 30 percent of its
tactical support unit requirements and over 25 percent of its general support units. Army
Reservists, like the citizen-soldiers of earlier time, stand ready to respond to their country's call
and their nation's need. Let us answer their sacrifices and their dedication with our support and
gratitude.
I am very proud to congratulate the United States Army Reserve on its Diamond Anniversary.
Ronald Reagan