Army Birthday events

Army birthday festivities and activities

Wreath-laying ceremony June 14

Join Army leaders as they lay a wreath at the 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.

Cake cutting at JBM-HH June 14

The Dining Facility on the Fort Myer portion of JBM-HH will host an Army Birthday cake cutting ceremony conducted the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) and JBM-HH leaders. The ceremony begins at 11 a.m. Additionally, the DFAC will have a special birthday meal open to active duty service members, the families and federal civilian employees. Details, including specific menu items, cost and meal times, are available on page 5.

Twilight Tattoo June 15

A special Twilight Tattoo, hosted by senior Army leadership, will feature Soldiers from the Military District of Washington's ceremonial units who will act out scenes from the Army's 241-year history. The event begins at 7 p.m. at Fort Myer's Summerall Field with pre-show live music starting at 6:30 p.m. The tattoo is an hour-long, sunset military pageant featuring Soldiers of the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), The Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, The U.S. Army Drill Team, The U.S. Army Blues, a soloist from The U.S. Army Chorus and vocalists of The U.S. Army Band Downrange and The U.S. Army Voices.

Capitol Hill cake cutting June 15

Join senior Army leaders at the Capitol Visitor Center Atrium at 2 p.m. June 15 for a special cake-cutting ceremony in recognition of the Army's 241st birthday.

Pentagon cake cutting June 16

Join senior Army leaders at the Pentagon courtyard June 16 at 11 a.m for a special cake-cutting ceremony in recognition of the Army's 241st birthday. Following the cake cutting, join Army officials for a special reenlistment ceremony as Soldiers from the National Capital Region take the Oath of Enlistment and continue their service to the nation.

Army Birthday Run June 17

The U.S. Army was founded June 14, 1775. As part of its 14-day birthday celebration, which began June 1, the Department of the Army is hosting a birthday run on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base at 7 a.m. on June 17. The run will begin at the Summerall Field parking lot. Military personnel, family members and Department of Defense civilians are invited to participate in the run, which is just over three miles. For more information about the run, call 703-696-7572.

Army Birthday Ball June 18

A week of Army Birthday celebrations culminates with the annual Army Birthday Ball June 18, 5 p.m. to midnight at the Washington Hilton Hotel in Washington, D.C. This year's ball celebrates the American Soldier-Always Ready, Always Leading. Ticket registration will remain open until all tickets are sold; however, they are expected to sell quickly. This year's entertainment will be provided by the U.S. Army Field Band, The U.S. Army Drill Team and The Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps. For more information, contact the Army Birthday Ball Helpdesk at 1-877-614-3581 or email helpdesk@ubt.com.