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.
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.
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.
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