250th Anniversary of the Founding of the United States Army

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Summary

On June 14, 1775, the sword and shield of our Republic were forged when the Second Continental Congress voted to establish what would later become the United States Army. Today, our Nation proudly celebrates 250 years of our Army's strength, service, valor, and discipline. We honor its heroic legacy as the guardian of our sovereignty and our fortress against tyranny—and we pay tribute to the millions of warriors who live by the motto: This We'll Defend. Following the first shots of the Revolutionary War at Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775, it became clear to the patriots that—despite their persistent efforts for peace—war against the British was necessary as a final…