New Yorkers gathered for a celebration in downtown Manhattan on Wednesday to commemorate the United States Army’s 248th birthday.

The celebration featured performances and proclamation, as well as the welcoming of five new army recruits – one from each of the five boroughs.  

Stanley Montgomery from the Bronx and Nayeli Osorio from Brooklyn took their oaths to serve during the anniversary celebration.  

“I think we’ve given them a good entrance into the army,” said Col. Harold Morris, Army recruiting battalion commander. “It’s all about motivation… the willingness to get after the fight.”