The United States Army was founded on June 14, 1775, a milestone included in America250-era commemorations.
The Continental Congress established the Army during the American Revolutionary War, before the Declaration of Independence was adopted in 1776. June 14 is now observed as the Army’s birthday and coincides with Flag Day in the United States.
The Army’s 250th birthday was commemorated with a major parade in 2025, one year before the nation’s 250th anniversary. The event was treated as a “soft launch” for broader United States Semiquincentennial celebrations.
The Army is the oldest of the six branches of the United States Armed Forces. Its anniversary is related to, but distinct from, the nation’s July 4, 1776, independence milestone.