US Army Birthday
251 years old on June 14, 2026.
The United States Army marks its birthday on June 14. On that date in 1775 — more than a year before the Declaration of Independence — the Second Continental Congress voted to raise ten companies of riflemen, formally establishing the Continental Army under the command of General George Washington.
A short history
- June 14, 1775 — Continental Congress authorizes the Continental Army; this is the date the modern US Army counts as its birthday.
- June 15, 1775 — Congress unanimously elects George Washington as the Army's first Commanding General.
- June 14, 2026 — the US Army turns 251.
How the day is observed
Active-duty units, the National Guard, and the Reserve hold cake cuttings, runs, and ceremonies on or around June 14. The annual Army Birthday Ball is held in Washington, DC, and at posts and embassies worldwide. Cities along the Army's history — from Boston to West Point to San Antonio — often mark the day with public events.
June 14, 2026: three milestones, one date
June 14, 2026 is the Army's 251st birthday. It is also US Flag Day, and President Donald Trump's 80th birthday. If you'd like to leave a friendly wish for President Trump on that day, you can sign the global birthday card here.