Army Birthday

Army Birthday - Friday, June 14, 2024

Federal Historical Military

Join the celebration of the U.S. Army Birthday on June 14 as we remember its creation in 1775. The army originally consisted of volunteer soldiers with roots to the Continental Army — and was formed to fight the Revolutionary War. Today, as the largest branch of the U.S. military, the proud men and women of the U.S. Army continue to provide peace and security for all of us.

Army Birthday timeline

​1942

​The Manhattan Project commenced

​Army engineers joined with civilian scientists to create two atomic bombs.

​1917

​The Selective Service Act passed

The Act quickly passed through Congress. The U.S. has drafted approximately 4 million Americans.

1802​

​The First U.S. military academy was established

​Congress established the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, NY.

​June 15, 1775

The Continental Army selected George Washington as its leader

​The Army named George Washington as general and commander-in-chief. His mission? To fight against enemy forces in large formations using small ambush tactics.

​June 14, 1775

​Congress established the Continental Army

​Congress approved the raising of 10 companies of riflemen to enlist in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia until the end of the Revolutionary War.

5 Fascinating Army Facts

  1. ​The Army is older than the country it serves

    The Army originally formed to fight the Revolutionary War.

  2. ​The Army is even bigger than you think

    ​If the Army were a city, it would be the 10th largest in the nation. Just over 1 million soldiers are currently serving in the Army.

  3. More presidents served in the Army than any other military branch

    ​Of the 45 men who have served as president, 31 had military service. Two dozen of them served in the Army, or in state militias (our modern-day National Guard).

  4. ​The Army owns enough land to be a country

    ​Soldiers serve at 158 installations around the world, covering approximately 24,000 square miles. If it were a state, The Army would be larger than Hawaii and Massachusetts combined.

  5. ​The Army is America’s second-largest employer

    ​The Army maintains more than 1 million active-duty and reserve soldiers. Only Walmart, with 2.2 million employees, is larger.

How to Observe Army Birthday

  1. Have a party

    The Army Birthday is a celebration! Enjoy food and drinks with family and friends and honor the men and women who have served America.

  2. Learn the story of the Unknown Soldier.

    The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, in Arlington, Virginia, is one of the most famous monuments in the U.S. Learn about its history and honor its importance.

  3. Just say “hello”

    You might know one or two of the 20.4 million living U.S. veterans. Even if you don't, take the opportunity to seek out a veteran and offer gratitude for their service.

Why Army Birthday is Important

  1. It celebrates those willing to make the ultimate sacrifice

    Celebrating the Army Birthday honors those Americans in uniform who serve their country in times of war and peace.

  2. It recognizes both past and present members

    The Army has had over 57 million service members in its history — including over 1.2 million active service members and over 800,000 reserves.

  3. It recognizes all American veterans

    There were around 20.4 million living U.S. veterans in 2016, according to data from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Recognizing the Army Birthday celebrates all of America’s military members.

Also on Fri Jun 14, 2024...

Flag Day
Jun 14
Cupcake Day
Jun 14
Bourbon Day
Jun 14