JUNE 14, 2021 – The U.S. Army was established June 14, 1775. This year marks 246 years of America’s Army serving and protecting the nation. The Army commemorates this birthday by: “Honoring the Courage of the American Soldier.” It highlights compelling stories of Soldiers from Active, Guard and Reserve components, as well as Army Families, Army Civilians, retirees and veteran Soldiers for Life. It also celebrates the courage of Army Soldiers to stand behind their oath to protect the American Way of life, a commitment that is part of the Army’s legacy.
American Soldiers have a strong bond with the American flag, and June 14 is also Flag Day.
What are the current and past efforts of the Army?
The Since its establishment, U.S. Army Soldiers and civilians have shown selfless service in support of the nation bearing true faith and allegiance to the U.S. Constitution, the Army, their units and fellow team members.
No matter the challenges faced, the Army has always and will always be there when needed to support the nation. Defending the nation requires commitment to the Army values by all Army people, including treating everyone with respect, working and fighting as one team and always doing what’s right. The Army honors all its people for their long-standing legacy of service, generation after generation.
What continued efforts does the Army have planned?
The Army is evolving in response to increasingly dynamic global challenges by:
- Placing people first, sustaining readiness by ensuring an inclusive culture and maximizing talent.
- Leading development and fielding of advanced technology in support of the Joint Force.
- Opening operational and strategic doors in the Indo-Pacific and Europe via training and developing stronger ally relationships.
Why is this important to the Army?
The Army is one of America’s first national institution. There is a deep and powerful bond between the Army, the flag and the nation. Army’s history of coming together to get a job done is part of the enduring fabric of America’s legacy.
Soldiers, Army Civilians, retirees and veteran Soldiers for Life embody the Army Values of loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage. The Army is proud of all its people for their long-standing courage to answer the call to service and make the communities better.
EVENTS MONDAY, JUNE 14th
- 9 a.m. *Virtual Event* – Army Birthday Wreath Laying at Arlington National Cemetery. The wreath-laying ceremony is a tradition that honors the service and sacrifice of our fallen service members and the legacy they left behind. This annual event will take place at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and will be live-streamed; you may watch it on the Military District of Washington Facebook page and the U.S. Army Twitter page here.
- 10 a.m. *Virtual Event* -The 2021 Army Birthday Showcase: Honoring the Courage of the American Soldier – Join us in celebrating 246 years of courage that our Soldiers have demonstrated while defending our great nation. You may watch on the U.S. Army social media pages: Facebook, Twitter, YouTube.
- 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. *Virtual Event* Cake-cutting and Reenlistement ceremony – Come celebrate with us as 10 Soldiers join us in the National Capitol Region and 50 Soldiers join virtually from Forts Bragg, Drum, Campbell, Hood and Stewart; these Soldiers will reaffirm their oath to the constitution during a mass reenlistment. You may watch on the U.S. Army social media pages: Twitter, LinkedIn.
- 7 p.m. *Hybrid Event* – Army Day with the Nationals at Nationals Park – This is an annual event as part of the Washington, D.C. Nationals’ salute to the services. This year, it will involve video performances of the U.S. Army Drill Team and Army Senior Leader shout-outs. It will also involve an Army color guard, Army chorus and an Army Senior leader to announce, “Play Ball!” The Nationals will play the Pittsburgh Pirates, and you may watch the game on Mid-Atlantic Sports Network.
Download the 2021 Army Birthday Outreach Guide that includes key messages and recommended ways for you to join us in commemorating 246 years of service in support of our nation. Don’t forget to download the 246th Army Birthday Facebook banner to share on your social media accounts and the poster to include at your cake-cutting events.
Provided by Office of the Chief of Public Affairs