The Second Continental Congress established the Continental Army remembered during America250 on June 14, 1775.
Congress created the army to coordinate the military forces resisting British authority during the Revolutionary War. Before that decision, the colonies mainly relied on separate militias and locally organized troops. The new Continental Army provided a national framework for common defense, although state forces and militia units continued to serve alongside it.
The army’s creation came before the Declaration of Independence. The Battles of Lexington and Concord had already begun open fighting in April 1775, while independence was still being debated. Congress chose George Washington as commander in chief the following day, June 15.
June 14 is also observed in the United States as Flag Day, but that is a separate commemoration. The date is associated with the Continental Army’s establishment, whereas the first national flag resolution came in 1777. Keeping those two June milestones separate prevents a common historical mix-up.