The U.S. Army was founded on June 14, 1775, and its 250th anniversary was marked during America250-related events. The date falls before the Declaration of Independence and reflects the Continental Congress’s creation of the Continental Army.
The Army’s anniversary was commemorated with a large parade and celebration held on June 14, 2025, in Arlington, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Organizers described the event as a “soft launch” of the broader semiquincentennial celebrations, which culminated on July 4, 2026.
June 14 is also observed annually as Flag Day in the United States. That coincidence made the 2025 event especially prominent, but the Army’s founding date is distinct from Independence Day. The Continental Army was established in 1775, while the Declaration was adopted in 1776.
The Army is the oldest of the six branches of the United States Armed Forces. Its 250th anniversary was therefore related to America250 but was not the same anniversary as the nation’s 250th anniversary.