The United States Army was founded on June 14, 1775, a date highlighted during America250 celebrations.
The Second Continental Congress created the Continental Army on June 14, 1775, during the American Revolutionary War. George Washington was appointed commander in chief shortly afterward, on June 15. The modern United States Army traces its lineage to this Continental force, making the anniversary date more than a ceremonial birthday.
In 2025, the Army marked its 250th anniversary with a large parade and celebration in Arlington, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. The event formed part of the wider sequence of observances leading into the United States semiquincentennial in 2026. It also coincided with Flag Day, which is observed annually on June 14.
A common mix-up is to use July 4, 1776, the date associated with the Declaration of Independence, for the Army’s founding. The Army’s anniversary instead comes from the congressional creation of the Continental Army in 1775.