--- title: "Everything you need to know about attending the Army’s 250th birthday celebration" date: "2025-06-12" modified: "2025-06-12" authors: - name: "Miguel Ortiz" job_title: "Senior Contributor, Army Veteran" link: "https://www.wearethemighty.com/authors/miguelortiz/" url: "https://www.wearethemighty.com/military-news/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-armys-250th-birthday/" categories: - "Army" - "History" - "Military News" tags: - "News" --- # Everything you need to know about attending the Army’s 250th birthday celebration ![army 250th birthday celebration info]() *The U.S. Army celebrates its 250th birthday on June 14, 2025. (U.S. Army)* On June 14, 1775, the Continental Army was formed to fight for American independence. After the successful revolution, the Continental Army became the United States Army and has continued to serve the nation in its mission with the same motto: "This We’ll Defend." To celebrate the Army’s 250th birthday, as well as the service and sacrifice of its soldiers, a celebration will be held in Washington, D.C. on June 14, 2025. At 8:15 a.m., a wreath-laying ceremony will take place at Arlington National Cemetery to commemorate the anniversary. On the National Mall, the Fitness Competition will begin at 9:30 a.m. and conclude with awards presented by 12:30 p.m. During the Fitness Competition, the Army Birthday Festival, located near the Washington Monument on the National Mall, will open at 11:00 a.m. ![army 250th birthday map]() *The Army's planned events map for its 250th birthday party. (U.S. Army)* The festival is free and open to the public, but [online registration]() will enable attendees to proceed through security more quickly. Security gates will be located at 7th Street. Visitors are encouraged to use the Metro, street parking, or public parking garages. The north entrance of the Smithsonian Metro Station will be closed. In front of the Smithsonian Castle, Army equipment and interactive exhibits will be on display. Visitors will be able to check out some of the latest Army tech, including night vision goggles, drones, and the [Next Generation Squad Weapon](). The Army also plans to showcase the new [MV-75 tiltrotor aircraft](), which is slated to replace the UH-60 Black Hawk. A total of 56 booths will be at the festival, where attendees can receive free giveaways and meet soldiers. On the east end of the festival will be the NFL Kids Zone. This will feature climbing walls, face painting, photo booths, and the opportunity to meet NFL players. Food trucks will also be located to the east. The festival will end at 6:00 p.m. ahead of the parade. ![army's 250th birthday highlights]() *Parade highlights for the U.S. Army's 250th birthday celebration. (U.S. Army)* At 6:30 p.m., the Army's 250th Birthday Parade along Constitution Avenue NW will begin on 23rd Street NW. It will be easiest for visitors to walk from the festival to the parade viewing area. Featured in the parade will be Army mainstays like the [M1A2 Abrams tank]() and [Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle](), along with newer vehicles like the [Infantry Squad Vehicle](). The [AH-64 Apache attack helicopter]() and [the CH-47 Chinook heavy-lift helicopter]() will also participate in the parade. The parade concludes at 7:30 p.m., and the concert at the Ellipse will begin soon after. Fireworks start at 9:45 p.m. to end the Army’s 250th birthday event. ## Don’t Miss the Best of Mighty News We Are The Mighty is a celebration of military service, with a mission to entertain, inform, and inspire those who serve and those who support them. We are made by and for current service members, veterans, spouses, family members, and civilians who want to be part of this community. Keep up with the best in military culture and entertainment: [subscribe to the We Are The Mighty newsletter](). - ‘[Day of the Jackal’ author Frederick Forsyth dies at age 86]() - []()[5 obvious fixes for the military’s weight problem]() - []()[The Border Patrol was actually founded to stop illegal Chinese immigration — from Mexico]() ## Author Miguel Ortiz is a Senior Contributor for We Are The Mighty covering primarily military news and history with an emphasis on weapons technology. He is a former active duty Army officer and remains a member of the Army IRR. After commissioning through San Diego State University Army ROTC, Miguel served with the 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum, NY. He has written for We Are The Mighty since 2020, drawing from his passion for the military community and history. Miguel’s work has also been seen on Business Insider and The Blast. He remains an avid shooter, competing in local USPSA matches. Miguel’s other hobbies are traveling and watch collecting. ### Author social links [LinkedIn]()