U.S. Army Celebrates 250th Birthday with Theme “This We’ll Defend”
The U.S. Army marked its 250th birthday with week-long celebrations from June 7-14 culminating in the military parade, military demonstrations, and fireworks in Washington, DC.
The birthday theme this year was “This we’ll defend,” first used as a battle cry by the Continental Army. The army says the theme focuses on its purpose: to fight and win the nation’s wars.
The U.S. Army traces its origins to June 14, 1775, when the Continental Congress established the Continental Army, following the fighting at Lexington and Concord. The next day, George Washington was appointed its first commander.
To mark the June 14 occasion, the U.S. Army held military demonstrations, displays of tanks and other equipment, fitness challenges, flyovers, and the parade in Washington, with President Trump, Vice President Vance, Defense Secretary Hegseth, and other dignitaries looking on amid off and on light rain.
The parade featured nearly 6,200 soldiers, as well as 128 Army tanks. Tanks on display included M1A1 Abrams tanks and World War II-era Sherman tanks.
It also paraded through the army’s history by era, with current soldiers donning uniforms from the American Revolution, Civil War, World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the War on Terror, up through the present day.
Many of the soldiers participating say they hope the parade shows the American public all the good that the army provides.
"It's an honor to be here, to honor all those that have worn the uniform before us and just embrace the history that we have here," said Army 1st Lt. Luke Heisler, a member of the 3rd Cavalry Regiment from Fort Cavazos, Texas, and originally from New Jersey. "The Army has been a blessing in my life.”
"It's an amazing moment," added Sgt. Joseph Inge of Ohio. "The Army is an amazing organization, and we're [proud] to represent 250 years of us."
The parade ended with President Trump swearing in 250 new recruits and making remarks.
“Watching this magnificent display, our souls are filled with gratitude for every generation of warriors who have worn the uniform back to the very beginning,” said President Trump. “No matter the risks, no matter the obstacles, our warriors will charge into battle, they will plunge into the crucible of fire, and they will seize the crown of victory because the United States of America will always have the grace of Almighty God and the iron will of the United States Army.”
