FORT DETRICK, Md. -- Fort Detrick observed Army Heritage Month throughout June, with a series of events honoring the U.S. Army's 250th birthday and its enduring legacy of service. The celebrations highlighted the Army's role in shaping American history and its commitment to national defense.
The month's festivities commenced on June 3 with an opening ceremony celebrating the Army's 250th anniversary. The U.S. Army, founded a year before the nation it defends, has been a steadfast guardian of the United States for a quarter-millennium.
Maj. Gen. Paula Lodi, Fort Detrick's senior commander, delivered opening remarks, reflecting on the Army's rich past while emphasizing its ongoing transformation and modernization to maintain readiness and lethality in a dynamic global environment.
"This we'll defend," the theme for this year's observance, was originally a battle cry of the Continental Army and continues to underscore the Army's core mission: to fight and win the nation's wars. The Army remains dedicated to honing its warfighting skills, upholding standards and discipline, and living the values that have defined its culture for 250 years.
Keynote speaker Col. (Ret.) Fred Schumacher, remarked on his extensive service in the Army and offered insights to attendees. Maj. James Brown, chaplain for the 21st Signal Brigade, provided words of empowerment, strength, dedication and faith, as the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army Chaplain Corps' sacred service is also marked in 2025. The opening ceremony concluded with attendees singing the Army Song.
On June 13, a traditional Army Birthday Cake Cutting Ceremony was held in the auditorium of Building 1520. In keeping with tradition, Garrison Commander Col. Christopher Chung provided inspirational remarks before being joined by the installation’s oldest and youngest Soldiers for the ceremonious cutting. Following the cake cutting, attendees were invited to explore Heritage Displays within the auditorium, highlighting the Army story and dedication to service from the Revolutionary War to today’s modern warfighter.
“This milestone is a powerful showcase of the Army’s enduring values – of loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage. It’s a testament to an institution that has not only defended our nation but has also empowered individuals to realize their full potential,” said Col. Chung. “From the snow-covered fields of Valley Forge to the shores of Normandy, the American Soldier has been the guardian of an audacious idea: a nation founded on liberty. But that defense is not always fought on distant shores. Today’s Army is the best-trained and most prepared in the world, ready to face any obstacle, including natural disasters, public health emergencies, and, of course, our nation’s adversaries.
“Here at Fort Detrick, we live at the intersection of that national defense and domestic support,” he continued. “Our history is one of pioneering science to protect the warfighter on the battlefield. Today, our mission has evolved into a national asset. The vital work done within these gates – in medical research, global communications, and public health – is a shield for every American. We are a testament to how the Army adapts, innovates, and prepares for the threats of the future.”
That afternoon, Col. Chung led a Retreat Ceremony to officially mark the end of the day's birthday celebrations and the duty day. Soldiers from tenant units on Fort Detrick stood in formation on the Blue & Gray parade field as the bugle sounded and the nation’s colors were lowered.
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