Army — Armed Forces Week

The Texas Veterans Land Board (VLB) salutes all our United States Army Soldiers during the 2023 Armed Forces Week. Each branch of the Armed Forces has its own song, which many have heard combined in the famous version of the Armed Forces Medley. What many may not realize is that the words to each song portray its branch’s core values and beliefs.

In honor of the Army, we want to publish the words to “The Army Goes Rolling Along”, which began as “The Caissons Song”. In 1908, Brigadier General Edmund Louis Gruber wrote it in a single night after hearing the caissons, or ammunition containers, rolling along during his tour in the Philippines. Gruber was descended from Franz Gruber, the composer of the beautiful song “Silent Night” in 1818.

“The Caissons Song” was incredibly popular among the Army faithful, but the Army brass wanted something different, so they held a nationwide contest in 1948. However, none of the lyrics presented were what they were looking for. They took some different phrases and added to the original song, creating the version we know today. While many people still sing the original first verse, with its “Over hill, over dale” lyrics, the modern version represents the Army well, showcasing what they are proud of accomplishing.

VERSE:

March along, sing our song, with the Army of the free.

Count the brave, count the true, who have fought to victory.

We’re the Army and proud of our name!

We’re the Army and proudly proclaim:

CHORUS:

First to fight for the right,

And to build the Nation’s might,

And The Army Goes Rolling Along.

Proud of all we have done,

Fighting till the battle’s won,

And the Army Goes Rolling Along.

REFRAIN:

Then it’s hi! hi! hey!

The Army’s on its way.

Count off the cadence loud and strong;

For where’er we go,

You will always know

That The Army Goes Rolling Along.

The VLB wishes a happy Armed Forces Week to the United States Army and all who have served as Soldiers! We are grateful for your choices and sacrifices to protect the country on the ground.

The VLB is happy to provide any needed help for these American heroes. The mission for the VLB is “to ensure that we offer the very best package of Veterans benefits in the country and those of us who work for the VLB strive to meet those goals every day. For more than 70 years, we have had the honor to serve Veterans, Military Members and their families in Texas, and we look forward to keeping that promise in the years to come.” Call 1–800–252–8387, email VLBinfo@glo.texas.gov, or visit vlb.texas.gov to see the different benefits available.

If you are a Veteran, thank you for your service. Click Here to Sign Up to stay informed on your benefits with the Texas Veterans Land Board.