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The United States Army Celebrates 250 Years
- Paula Green
- Jun 4
- 2 min read
By Paula Green
This year is exciting for the United States military as we celebrate a trilogy of anniversaries; all three mark 250 years of dutifully serving our country. The United States Army was founded on June 14, 1775, the Navy on October 13, 1775, and the Marines on November 10, 1775.
This month, we will center our attention on the U.S. Army. On June 14, 1775, the Continental Congress approved the enlistment of sharpshooters to serve the United States colonies for a year with the following decree: "Resolved, that six companies of expert riflemen, be immediately raised in Pennsylvania, two in Maryland, and two in Virginia . . . that each company, as soon as completed, shall march and join the Army near Boston, to be employed as light infantry, under the command of the Chief Officer in that Army."
With the Continental Army in place, the next step was to select a commander-in-chief. A day after issuing the resolution, a favored choice emerged: a Virginian with a strong military background. George Washington was unanimously chosen as the command-in-chief of the new Army in the hopes that he would also unite the colonies. On June 19, 1775, Washington was officially commissioned to this position.
When Congress declared independence on July 4, 1776, the Continental Army and the militia in its service became known collectively as the Army of the United States instead of the Army of the United Colonies. Over the course of 250 years, the U.S. Army has consistently adapted, evolved, and overcome. From the horse-mounted cavalry of the Revolutionary War to the armored divisions of World War II, and the air assault tactics of Vietnam, each era demanded adaptations which led to today’s integrated, multi-domain operations. The Army's resilience in the face of these challenges is truly inspiring.
The Army continues to be the guardian of the United States, safeguarding the American way of life through dedication, resilience, and strength. This role provides a sense of security and stability to the nation. In addition, the Army has offered endless possibilities and opportunities for individuals to serve our nation. With over 200 career choices for soldiers and more than 500 career paths for civilians, Army possibilities are endless.
On Saturday, June 14, the U.S. Army will celebrate its 250th birthday by commemorating its distinguished service to our nation. The central theme for this year's celebration is "This We'll Defend.” A daylong festival and a parade will be held on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. According to the U.S. Army, the parade is expected to feature 6,600 soldiers, at least 150 vehicles, 50 helicopters, and seven bands. The festival will include fireworks, capability demonstrations, displays of equipment, and community engagement.
Northern Connection magazine salutes all members of the United States Army and thanks them for their dedication to serving our country. This gratitude is a reflection of the nation's appreciation for the sacrifices and service of the Army.
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