JULY 1, 2026 — From the shores of Honolulu to the German countryside, Soldiers celebrated the Army’s historic legacy during Army Heritage Month with ceremonies, festivals and runs.
The service celebrated the Army’s 251st birthday and the contributions of the Soldiers, whom it strives to treat equally in its mission to bolster lethality and unit cohesion. Under the theme “This We’ll Defend,” the celebration honored the Army’s role in each of the major U.S. conflicts, as well as its steps toward modernization.
In commemoration of the Army’s anniversary, hundreds of Soldiers stationed in the Military District of Washington added their names to the Registry of the American Soldier at the National Museum of the U.S. Army in Fort Belvoir, Virginia.
“It builds esprit de corps throughout the Army,” said Eldeen Daly-Wilson, deputy program manager for MDW’s military equal opportunity program. “We were able to strengthen the units in providing the knowledge and insight during the museum tour. Being able to put their names on the registry was inspiring.”
MDW hosted its annual wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery on June 14. Soldiers and military leaders participated in the annual Army Birthday Run at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, and service members took part in the Virginia and Red, White and Blue Summer Sizzler 5K run at Fort Meade, Maryland, June 27.
On the Hawaiian Island of Oahu, Soldiers from U.S. Army Pacific engaged with residents for its annual Army Community Day at Fort DeRussy on the west side of Honolulu. For the first time, USARPAC invited community leaders to participate, showcasing the M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, or HIMARS, the Army’s centerpiece for firing long-range, precision fires.
The event also featured the Mana O Ke Koa, or “spirit of the warrior,” award ceremony honoring Gilbert K.T. Tam, a former Army infantry officer, for his contributions to the military community in Hawaii. Members of the explosive ordnance disposal dive team conducted live demonstrations of underwater technology and combat vehicles.
Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington hosted Freedom Fest 250 on June 27 to connect military members with local communities in the Pacific Northwest. The event celebrated the Army anniversary along with the nation’s 250th birthday. U.S. Army Japan held a 5K run at Camp Zama for U.S. service members, military families and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force.
“Army Heritage Month gives us a unique opportunity in the Pacific to share our Army’s extraordinary heritage with our partners and communities throughout the region,” said Army Lt. Col. Mary Grace Tomomitsu, USARPAC’s military equal opportunity program manager. “These celebrations are about the people — us coming together, honoring our history and making our partnerships even stronger.”
At Fort Gordon, Georgia, Soldiers and civilians gathered to honor the Army’s legacy in each major war. They also paid tribute to Army Spc. Hilda Ortiz Clayton, a combat photographer who died during a live-fire training exercise in 2013.
U.S. Army Europe and Africa, alongside partner nations and allies, hosted the annual Tank Challenge, a training event designed to foster military partnerships, enhance tactical skills and share operational techniques among allied forces. Soldiers hosted a Freedom 250 celebration at U.S. Embassy Bucharest, Romania, and the USAREUR-AF Field Band and Chorus performed a concert in North Macedonia.
By Joe Lacdan
Army News Service