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SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. (AP) -- The Third Army is celebrating the Army's 237th birthday with a three-mile run and a cake-cutting ceremony.

Army spokeswoman Stephanie Tatum says Thursday's celebration at Shaw Air Force Base in central South Carolina begins at 6:30 a.m. Soldiers, civilians and family members are welcome to attend.

Following Army tradition, the cake-cutting ceremony that takes place after the run is led by the oldest and the youngest soldiers at the event.

Tatum says the theme for this year's celebration is "America's Army: The strength of the nation."

The Third Army supports America's land forces in the Central Command area of responsibility. That comprises about 20 nations from East Africa through Afghanistan.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)