United States Army Marks 251 Years of Service

The United States Army marked its 251st birthday on June 14, honoring more than 2.5 centuries of service, sacrifice, and defense of the nation.

The Army was established on June 14, 1775, when the Second Continental Congress created the Continental Army and placed it under the command of General George Washington. Since then, soldiers have served in conflicts from the Revolutionary War to the Civil War, two World Wars, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan, and beyond.

In a national birthday message, President Donald Trump praised the Army as the nation’s oldest military branch and honored the soldiers and families who have supported its mission.

“Our Republic salutes these heroes,” Trump said, adding that Americans remain “bound by gratitude” for those who defend the country.

The message highlighted the Army’s long role in American history, from Valley Forge and Yorktown to modern missions around the world. It also pointed to current efforts to invest in Army infrastructure, weapons systems, recruiting, and military readiness.

Trump said the nation must continue standing with soldiers and their families, calling their service vital to America’s safety and freedom.

The Army’s motto, “This We’ll Defend,” remains a reminder of the duty carried by generations of soldiers since 1775.