The Continental Army was established on June 14, 1775, a founding milestone echoed by America250’s Army events.
The Second Continental Congress created the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. George Washington was appointed its commander in chief shortly afterward, on June 19, 1775. The modern United States Army traces its institutional origins to this Continental Army decision.
June 14 is also observed as the Army’s birthday and as Flag Day. In 2025, the Army marked its 250th anniversary with a large parade in the Washington, D.C., area. That event formed part of the lead-up to the national America250 commemoration.
The date is distinct from July 4, 1776. July 4 marks Congress’s approval of the Declaration of Independence, while June 14, 1775, marks the creation of the Continental Army, which occurred before the colonies formally declared independence.