The United States Army was established on June 14, 1775, marking its 250th anniversary during America250.
The Second Continental Congress created the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. The date is now recognized as the Army’s birthday, more than a year before the Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776.
The Army’s 250th anniversary therefore occurred in 2025, one year before the United States’ semiquincentennial in 2026. A major birthday parade and celebration took place in the Washington, D.C., area on June 14, 2025, as part of the broader period of national anniversary events.
The Army’s birthday is often confused with the founding dates of other U.S. military services. The Continental Navy was established on October 13, 1775, while the U.S. Marine Corps dates its founding to November 10, 1775.