June 14 marks the 240th anniversary since the creation of what would become the United States Army. The oldest of the U.S. Armed Services, the Army was established by the Continental Congress in 1775 and later became a military department of the U.S. federal government under the Constitution, enacted in 1789. That Army consisted of about 22,000 militia men from across the American colonies, according to an Army.mil news article.

The modern U.S. Army began to take shape at the turn of the 20th Century, according to the U.S. Army's website. A codified, professionalized officer corps was the first step taken toward development of today's U.S. Army. Later, perceptions that professional soldiering was limited to officer ranks were shattered during the aftermath of the Vietnam War: professional development opportunities were extended to warrant officers, noncommissioned officers and Army civilians in the post-Vietnam, all-volunteer Army, according to Army.mil.

For more Army history, birthday graphics, messages and news, visit www.army.mil/birthday.

Additionally, Army leaders will lay a wreath June 14 at Arlington National Cemetery's Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in recognition of the nation's fallen in honor of the Army's 240th Birthday. The event takes place June 14 at 9:30 a.m. at Arlington National Cemetery. This event is free and open to the public.

For more Army birthday events, go to: www.army.mil/birthday