El Paso Proclaims Aug. 18 as 1st Armored Division and Fort Bliss Day

El Paso Mayor Renard Johnson presented 1st Armored Division Commanding General Maj. Gen. Curtis Taylor with an official city proclamation designating Aug. 18, 2026, as "1st Armored Division and Fort Bliss Day" during a ceremony at City Hall. The proclamation formally recognizes the deep-rooted partnership, shared history, and ongoing civic contributions between the local community and the installation.

The proclamation highlighted Fort Bliss’s historical significance since its establishment on March 8, 1854, noting its role as a critical U.S. Army installation for over 170 years. It also honored the 1st Armored Division, known as "Old Ironsides," citing its distinguished service from its 1940 activation through campaigns in World War II, the Cold War, the Global War on Terror, and operations along the southern border. Furthermore, the resolution commemorated 2011, when El Paso welcomed the division to its permanent home.

During the presentation, Taylor emphasized the rare level of mutual integration between the military installation and the surrounding municipality. "The relationship we have between Fort Bliss and El Paso is like no other relationship in the U.S. military that I am aware of," Taylor said. "I absolutely believe in my heart of hearts that Fort Bliss is El Paso and El Paso is Fort Bliss. Our Soldiers love being a part of your community."

Johnson expressed gratitude to Taylor for his leadership and trusted partnership, reinforcing that the military presence is vital to the city's identity. "Fort Bliss and El Paso are one community," Johnson stated. "Your Soldiers and their families are our neighbors and friends. They go to our churches and our schools, so they are a part of our fabric - they are a part of El Paso."

The civic declaration concludes a milestone ceremony celebrating the soldiers, civilians, and military families who contribute to the cultural and civic life of the Sun City. City leadership reaffirmed its commitment to providing continuous, unwavering support to service members and their families stationed at Fort Bliss.