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U.S. Army Soldiers prepare to march in the 250th Army Birthday Parade, June 14, 2025, in Washington D.C. Marking a milestone in American military history, the parade highlighted the contributions of Soldiers past and present across 250 years of service.
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Spc. Rebeca Soria)VIEW ORIGINAL2 / 10Show Caption +Hide Caption –
A U.S Army Soldier represents the Revolutionary War era of our nation's history from the 101st Airborne Division, based out of Fort Campbell, Kentucky, prepares to participate in the 250th Army Birthday Parade, June 14, 2025, in Washington D.C. The parade included Soldiers in historical and modern uniforms, marching alongside equipment and vehicles from key eras of Army history to represent how the force has evolved since 1775.
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Spc. Rebeca Soria)VIEW ORIGINAL3 / 10Show Caption +Hide Caption –
U.S. Soldiers in a Stryker march in the 250th Army Birthday Parade in Washington, D.C., June 14, 2025.
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Laura Buchta)VIEW ORIGINAL4 / 10Show Caption +Hide Caption –
U.S Army Soldiers representing the Civil War Era of our nation's history from the 4th Infantry Division, based out of Fort Carson, Colorado, prepare to participate in the 250th Army Birthday Parade in Washington, D.C., June 14, 2025. The parade recognized the Army’s 250 years of continuous service with marching units, ceremonial elements, and historical displays from every major era.
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Christopher Kaufmann)VIEW ORIGINAL5 / 10Show Caption +Hide Caption –
U.S Army Soldiers representing the WWI era from the 82d Airborne Division based out of Fort Bragg, North Carolina, participate in the 250th Army Birthday Parade in Washington, D.C., June 14, 2025.
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Nina Cortez)VIEW ORIGINAL6 / 10Show Caption +Hide Caption –
U.S. Soldiers in an M1A2 Abrams march in the 250th Army Birthday Parade in Washington, D.C., June 14, 2025.
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Nina Cortez)VIEW ORIGINAL7 / 10Show Caption +Hide Caption –
U.S. Army Soldiers representing the WWII era march in the U.S. Army 250th Birthday Parade on Saturday, June 14, 2025, in Washington, D.C.
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Rachel Minto)VIEW ORIGINAL8 / 10Show Caption +Hide Caption –
U.S. Soldiers dressed in Vietnam-era uniforms march in formation during the Army’s 250th birthday parade in Washington, D.C., June 14, 2025. The commemorative formation honored the service and sacrifice of Soldiers who served during the Vietnam War, highlighting a pivotal chapter in Army history.
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Rene Rosas)VIEW ORIGINAL9 / 10Show Caption +Hide Caption –
U.S. Soldiers assigned to the 1st Infantry Division, representing the Gulf War era, march in the 250th Army Birthday Parade in Washington, D.C., June 14, 2025.
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Laura Buchta)VIEW ORIGINAL10 / 10Show Caption +Hide Caption –
A Soldier assigned to the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) raises a drone during the Army’s 250th birthday parade in Washington, D.C., June 14, 2025. The demonstration showcased emerging capabilities including next-generation squad weapons, uncrewed systems, and mobility platforms.
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Rene Rosas)VIEW ORIGINAL
WASHINGTON — On June 14, 2025, the U.S. Army celebrated a remarkable milestone: its 250th birthday. The theme of the celebration, “This We’ll Defend,” dates back to the Continental Army's battle cry, emphasizing the Army's enduring mission: defend the nation.
“Since 1775, American Soldiers have represented the very best of our nation,” stated Honorable Dan P. Driscoll, the Secretary of the Army. “They embody courage, sacrifice and strength. Sworn to defend the Constitution and our core American values, American Soldiers have fought against any who might threaten our country. They are the most lethal land fighting force the world has ever seen. The U.S. Army has upheld this legacy for 250 years, and we will carry this legacy into the future.”
The 250th anniversary featured celebrations not just in the U.S., but worldwide. Events highlighted the Army's values, readiness and the achievements of both past and present Soldiers and civilians.
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A portion of the Call To Arms exhibit at the National Museum of the U.S. Army, containing artifacts that belonged to people of the Revolutionary War era.
(Photo Credit: Photo courtesy of the National Museum of the U.S. Army)VIEW ORIGINAL2 / 3Show Caption +Hide Caption –
Soldiers from the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) and The U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own” support the Army Birthday Twilight Tattoo at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Va. The event was hosted by Lt. Gen. Robert Harter, Chief of Army Reserve and 10th Commanding General of U.S. Army Reserve Command and featured special appearances by the U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team.
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Brittany Primavera)VIEW ORIGINAL3 / 3Show Caption +Hide Caption –
U.S. Soldiers participate in the Army Birthday Run/Walk, Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Va., June 13, 2025. The event is part of week-long celebrations across the country and the Army to mark the 250th anniversary of the Army.
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Deonte Rowell)VIEW ORIGINAL
Events in Washington, D.C.
In Washington, D.C., the Army organized a week of events leading up to the birthday. On June 7, the National Museum of the United States Army unveiled a new exhibit, "Call to Arms: The Soldier and the Revolutionary War." This exhibit offered a once-in-a-lifetime chance to learn the stories and see rare artifacts of the American, Canadian, French and English people that lived through the war.
On June 11, Soldiers of the Military District of Washington’s ceremonial units participated in the Twilight Tattoo, a live event open to the public showcasing the Army’s history and traditions. Then, on June 13, an Army birthday run brought together Soldiers and civilians for a day of fitness and camaraderie.
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Secretary of the Army Daniel P. Driscoll lays a wreath as part of an Army Full Honors Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in honor of the Army’s 250th birthday in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington Va., June 14, 2025. Driscoll was joined by Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy A. George and Sgt. Maj. of the Army Michael R. Weimer. The ceremony was hosted by Maj. Gen. Trevor J. Bredenkamp, commanding general of the Joint Task Force–National Capital Region and the U.S. Army Military District of Washington.
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Oscar Toscano)VIEW ORIGINAL2 / 4Show Caption +Hide Caption –
U.S. Army Soldiers lift a weighted bag as a team during a fitness competition during the Army’s 250th Birthday Festival in Washington, D.C., June 14, 2025.Events like this highlight the Army’s focus on physical readiness, teamwork, and resilience.
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Rebecca Watkins)VIEW ORIGINAL3 / 4Show Caption +Hide Caption –
Sgt. 1st Class Griffin Mueller of the U.S. Army Parachute Team performs a demonstration parachute jump over the Washington Monument on 14 June 2025. The jump was part of the Army 250th birthday parade in Washington, D.C.
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Nickolas Orozco)VIEW ORIGINAL4 / 4Show Caption +Hide Caption –
Fireworks are presented near the Washington Monument during the Army’s 250th Birthday Parade in Washington, D.C., June 14, 2025. The parade featured approximately 6,700 soldiers and 150 vehicles, including M1A2 Abrams tanks, Stryker armored vehicles, 50 aircraft, 34 horses, two mules, and one dog. Soldiers marched alongside equipment and vehicles from key eras of Army history, showcasing how the force has evolved since 1775 in 250 years of continuous service to the nation. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Oscar Toscano)
(Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Oscar Toscano)VIEW ORIGINAL
The birthday on June 14 started with Secretary Driscoll laying a wreath at Arlington National Cemetery. Later in the morning the Army Birthday Festival kicked off, including a fitness event on the National Mall showing off the skills and athleticism of Soldiers. Other festivities included an interactive display of Army equipment, a parade showcasing the history of the Army, Army aircraft flyovers, a Golden Knights parachute demonstration at the White House ellipse, a concert and fireworks display.
In total, more than 6,000 Soldiers participated in the parade and approximately 200,000 people attended the events on the Mall.
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Soldiers assigned to the Commander-In-Chief’s Guard, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) pose in front of American Legion Post 11 in Boston, Mass., on June 14, 2025. The event commemorated the U.S. Army’s 250 years of service and the Battle of Bunker Hill, The Revolutionary War’s first major conflict in June of 1775.
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Antony J. Martinez)VIEW ORIGINAL2 / 3Show Caption +Hide Caption –
Lt. Gen. Jonathan P. Braga, commanding general of U.S. Army Special Operations Command, and Chief Warrant Officer 5 Steven C. Finney, command chief warrant officer for U.S. Army Special Operations Command, hold ceremonial gavels after opening the nation's stock markets during a special Opening Bell Ceremony celebrating the Army’s 250th Birthday at the Nasdaq Philadelphia Stock Exchange in Philadelphia June 13, 2025. The Army executed several outreach events to enhance public awareness of the Army’s mission and to help the community celebrate the Army’s 250th birthday. The Army was born in Philadelphia, and the Army recognizes the support and sacrifices the city has provided for 250 years in support of freedom.
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army Reserve photo by 1st. Lt. Sophie Jonak)VIEW ORIGINAL3 / 3Show Caption +Hide Caption –
U.S. Army soldiers with a U.S. Army New York City Recruiting Battalion color guard, stand at the position of attention during a celebration of the Army’s 250th Birthday in Times Square, New York on June 14, 2025. More than 250 soldiers, government officials, and distinguished guests attended the celebration, which featured musical performances, an Oath of Enlistment, and a cake-cutting ceremony. The event is one of the weeklong U.S. Army NYC Recruiting Battalion hosted Army 250th Birthday NYC citywide celebrations.
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army Photo By: Master Sgt. Gregory Williams)VIEW ORIGINAL
Celebrations Across the Country
The birthday festivities extended beyond Washington, D.C. In Philadelphia, the Army collaborated with Nasdaq to open the market on June 13, featuring the U.S. Army Special Operations Command's Commanding General, Lt. Gen. Jonathan Braga. In Boston, activities included participation in the Bunker Hill 250, and in New York City, the NYC Recruiting Battalion celebrated in Times Square with musical performances, cake cutting and an enlistment ceremony.
President of the United States, Donald J. Trump, speaks during the Army 250 parade in Washington, D.C., on June 14, 2025. During the day, the Army presented a full, interactive display on the National Mall, transitioning to a parade showcasing the history of the Army, flyovers, and a Golden Knights parachute demonstration at the White House ellipse. The day ended with a concert and fireworks display.
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Spc. PS Bailey Whilden)VIEW ORIGINAL
Looking Forward
The Army's birthday celebration highlighted not just its storied past, but also its vision for the future. Army leadership reaffirmed their commitment to modernizing the force, enhancing readiness, and strengthening international partnerships to ensure global security and stability.
Gen. Randy George, Chief of Staff of the Army, noted, “This we’ll defend…reminds us that our Army’s purpose is clear: to fight and win the nation’s wars. We remain committed to honing our warfighting skills, enforcing standards and discipline, and living the values that have defined our Army culture for the past 250 years.”
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