U.S. Army Marks 250 Years of Defending the Nation

The United States Army is gearing up to celebrate its 250th birthday on June 14, 2025, marking a quarter-millennium of dedicated service to the nation. The central theme for all birthday-related events is “This We’ll Defend,” highlighting the Army’s enduring mission of fighting and winning wars, and its commitment to defending the values, security, and people of the United States.

A Rich History of Service and Sacrifice

Established on June 14, 1775, more than a year before the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Army is older than the nation it defends and has played a vital role in its growth and development ever since. From the Revolutionary War to present-day missions, American Soldiers have consistently demonstrated their resolve to defend freedom both at home and abroad.

The Army’s mission is to deploy, fight, and win the nation’s wars by securing ready, prompt, and sustained land dominance across the full spectrum of conflict as part of the joint force. As the largest of the armed services, America’s Army comprises over 1.2 million people globally dedicated to defending the country. The Army’s impact extends beyond direct combat, as it also stands ready to assist in times of need, such as disaster relief and recovery.

Throughout its history, the U.S. Army has been at the forefront of innovation and has contributed significantly to everyday life. Many commonly used products and processes, such as freeze-dried food, high-pressure food processing, bug spray, aviator glasses, and even the origins of brands like Cheetos and Pringles, have roots in Army-pioneered developments. The Army has also been instrumental in medical advances, including the mandating of smallpox vaccines by George Washington during the Revolutionary War, and the development of techniques like isolation wards and triaging patients that are now common in civilian healthcare.

The Army’s greatest asset is its people – the talented men and women who serve. Army careers span a wide spectrum, including attorneys, astronauts, mechanics, doctors, engineers, and musicians.

Ways to Celebrate the 250th Army Birthday

Communities and individuals are invited to join in celebrating this historic milestone. The Army Birthday Outreach Guide provides several ideas for participation, encouraging the use of the hashtag #ARMY250 on social media.

Key events leading up to and on June 14, 2025, include:

• June 13: Army Birthday Run/Walk at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, VA.
• June 13-15: Philadelphia’s Army 250th Birthday Celebration.
• June 14:
  • Arlington National Cemetery’s Army Birthday Wreath Laying.
  • Fitness Competition and Awards on the National Mall.
  • Army Birthday Festival on the National Mall, offering opportunities to interact with Soldiers, watch military demonstrations, explore equipment displays, and enjoy live music.
  • Army 250th Birthday Parade.
  • Live broadcast, concert, and fireworks on the Mall.

Beyond these official events, the Army encourages communities to hold their own celebrations, highlight historical connections to the Army, and recognize local Army veterans. Wishing the Army a happy birthday through videos and social media posts, and adding the Army birthday 250 logo to email signatures and organizational pages are also encouraged. Learn more at https://www.army.mil/1775/

A Special Thank You to Our Veterans

As we commemorate 250 years, we extend a special thank you to all Army veterans who have defended and continue to defend America. Since 1775, American Soldiers have embodied courage, sacrifice, and strength, fighting against any threat to our country and upholding the legacy of the most lethal land fighting force the world has ever seen. The Army’s continuous transformation, with investments in cutting-edge systems, drone technology, and AI-powered capabilities, ensures it remains prepared for future challenges and continues to protect the country and defend democracy.

The U.S. Army’s 250th birthday is not just a celebration of its past, but a recognition of its ongoing commitment to serving the nation and its people.