Dugway Proving Ground, Utah - Dugway celebrated the Army’s birthday last week with three big events. The commemorations commenced at Dugway Proving Ground on Thursday, June 12, 2025, with the workforce coming together for a flag-raising ceremony to honor past and present Soldiers who have defended the nation. The event concluded with a cake-cutting ceremony where Army Col. James P. Harwell, commander of Dugway Proving Ground, gave a speech about the dedication and sacrifice the Army has made in its 250 years of service.

"We often forget it wasn't just the Soldier who fought for that freedom; it was all those who supported them," said Harwell. He noted Dugway's contribution to the Army's mission through training and material solutions for nearly a third of its existence.

On Friday, June 13, a joint celebration of all Tooele County Army Installations was held outside the Pratt Aquatic Center in Tooele. Dugway Proving Ground, Tooele Army Depot, and Utah National Guard personnel and service members attended. This community-focused event featured a cake-cutting ceremony and an impressive display of current and historic Army vehicles. Speeches by key leaders included Debbie Winn, Tooele City Mayor, Col. Luke Clover, Tooele Army Depot commander, and Col. James Harwell, Dugway Proving Ground commander.

The festivities culminated on Saturday, June 14, with a large-scale open house at the U.S. Army Reserve Center on Fort Douglas in Salt Lake City. The event was a vibrant tribute to a quarter millennium of Army service. Attendees enjoyed a full day of activities, beginning with an opening ceremony with patriotic speeches from senior military leaders, a performance by the 23rd Army Band based in Salt Lake City, and an Army aviation flyover. A traditional cake-cutting ceremony highlighted the shared celebration of this momentous occasion.

The collaborative effort between Dugway Proving Ground, Tooele Army Depot, the Utah National Guard and local communities for the Army's 250th birthday celebration served as a powerful testament to the enduring unity, collaboration, and unwavering commitment that has defined the U.S. Army for two and a half centuries. The Army Birthday was a day to honor those who have served, reflect on the Army's pivotal role in national history, and reinforce the strong bond between the military and the communities it protects.