The United States Army turned 247 years old on Tuesday.
Since 1775, the nation has been protected by the Army’s elite soldiers on the home front and around the world.
The branch released a video, “Defending America 24/7,” showing how soldiers fulfill the mission in various roles around the globe. The video shows soldiers in a variety of training exercises, from firing rifles, artillery, and tanks, to jumping out of helicopters, flying drones, and to guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
The Army also shared a video honoring Flag Day, which is recognized on the same day.
Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth said she commemorated the branch’s birthday by laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Uknown Soldier “to pay my respects to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation.” She shared a photo of the event and added, “Let us pause to remember and honor their service.”
Army Chief of Staff Gen. James McConville shared a video message alongside Wormuth and Sergeant Major of the Army Michael Grinston to recognize the day.
“I could not be more proud of what our soldiers have done in support of this great nation. It is truly an honor to serve alongside them,” McConville said.
The Department of Defense honored the Army’s birthday in a tweet, saying, “Happy birthday
@USArmy! Today we celebrate #Army soldiers, past and present, on the 247th #ArmyBday. We appreciate all who answered the call to serve in one of the oldest and longest lasting institutions in America.”
On June 14, 1775, the Second Continental Congress voted to adopt militia troops in Boston and New York City to form the Continental Army — a force that would go on to become the United States Army.
The troops, under the leadership of George Washington, were adopted to fight in the American Revolutionary War.
When the Revolutionary War ended in 1783, the Congress of the Confederation created the U.S. Army to replace the disbanded Continental Army on June 3, 1784, according to the U.S. Army.
Army soldiers have played a crucial role in wars around the world, defending the U.S. and providing humanitarian assistance globally.
Since its founding, the United States Army has become one of the most powerful fighting forces in the world.
Currently, there are more than one million Army soldiers with nearly 500,000 on active duty.
