The oldest and most senior branch of the United States military in order of precedence, the U.S. Army actually predates the U.S. itself. Congress established the First Continental Army on June 14, 1775, more than a full year before the signing of the Declaration of Independence, to recruit professionally trained soldiers that could combat the British "Redcoats" in the Revolutionary War.
In the centuries since then, America's Army has grown into a fighting force with approximately half a million active-duty soldiers. And on Friday, June 14, 2019, the U.S. Army will observe its 244th birthday, affording military servicemembers and civilians alike an opportunity to celebrate the branch's rich history and continued role as a force for good in the world.
How to celebrate the U.S. Army's birthday in 2019
The Army's birthday is not an official state or federal holiday, meaning government offices and private places of business remain open on June 14th, while Army and Department of Defense agencies typically choose to celebrate the occasion at the base or local level with special events, ceremonies and social occasions.
The USO, AMVETS, The American Legion, VFW and other military service organizations also usually observe the holiday on a local or agency-wide level each year. If you would like to know if and how the birthday is being celebrated in your community, you can reach out to the local chapter of your preferred Veterans Service Organization.
One unique annual celebration is the Army Birthday Ball, which is held at military bases, community centers, civilian hotels and other applicable sites around the world. This black-tie formal event features military members in full-service dress, also known as "Dress Blues" or "Mess Dress," and includes a long list of traditions that are intended to pay respect to those who sacrificed life and limb to serve, and to welcome the newest members of the service and salute the future of the Army at large.
In that spirit, one of the most popular traditions at the ball is the cutting of the Army birthday cake, in which the oldest serving soldier and the youngest serving soldier use a ceremonial saber to cut the first slice. Another common tradition is the receiving line, in which Army leaders personally greet each attendee entering the ballroom, and the giving of toasts to the United States, military families and to fallen comrades, the latter toast one that is always respectfully answered in silence.
This year, the 244th U.S. Army Birthday Ball will be held at the Washington Hilton Hotel in Washington D.C. on the evening of Saturday, June 15, and to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Normandy invasion, will feature a theme of "honoring the call to service from D-Day to Today." Similarly, on June 14, all U.S. Army veterans and active duty personnel will receive free admission to the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, Virginia.
Several other high profile military celebrations will be taking place that weekend, as well. Different chapters of the Association of the United States Army will be holding their own Birthday Balls in various venues across the country on June 14 and 15. Additionally, Fort Knox will be hosting a birthday bash on June 14 that includes a variety of community events, all of which will be open to the general public.
Additionally, private citizens can always organize events in their own community, or find ways to celebrate with friends and family. The 244th anniversary of the U.S. Army provides a wonderful opportunity to both reflect on the centuries of sacrifice that have come before, and celebrate the bright future that lies ahead for America's fighting force.
