2025 is a remarkable milestone in American history: the U.S. Army, the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Marine Corps each celebrate their 250th anniversary this year. Founded during the Revolutionary War, these three branches began as modest forces and have grown into the world’s premier fighting services, safeguarding freedom at home and abroad.

Overview of the 1775 Foundings

• All three branches were established in 1775 under the authority of the Second Continental Congress.
• Created within months of one another to meet distinct strategic needs – land warfare, sea power and amphibious operations.
• Their shared 250th anniversaries are being commemorated with parades, ceremonial cake cuttings, historical exhibits and community outreach events nationwide.

Army

Founding date: June 14, 1775

Barely two months after the first shots of the Revolutionary War were fired at Lexington and Concord, the Second Continental Congress resolved to form the Continental Army to defend the 13 colonies and drive British troops out of New England. The Congress unanimously named George Washington as commander-in-chief of the Army, and the forerunner to the modern U.S. Army was born.

Navy

Founding date: Oct. 13, 1775

What began with the purchase of two armed vessels has grown into a global fleet of hundreds of ships and submarines. This developing fleet was successfully used to raid British ships and acquire supplies for American troops showing the value of sea power in a world dominated by naval empires. Although disbanded after the Revolution, Congress re-established the Navy in 1794, and it has since transformed with steam power, aircraft carriers, nuclear submarines and forward-deployed strike groups.

Marine Corps

Founding date: Nov. 10, 1775

Famously – and proudly – the U.S. Marine Corps started in a Philadelphia tavern on Nov. 10, 1775. Then the Continental Congress passed a resolution saying, “two Battalions of Marines be raised” to serve as amphibious forces for the recently established Continental Navy. The first Marines distinguished themselves in important operations including their first amphibious raid into the Bahamas in 1776. Over the centuries, the Marine Corps has developed into a rapid-response force, embodying the motto “First to Fight.” The 250th anniversary will honor their storied traditions, from Belleau Wood and Iwo Jima to modern expeditionary deployments.

Highlights of the 250th Celebrations

• Special congressional resolutions and commemorative stamps.
• Public exhibits featuring original uniforms, weapons and diaries from 1775.
• Joint ceremonies at historic sites like Independence Hall and Fort McHenry.
• Community outreach programs in schools to teach the branches’ origins.
• Symbolic cake-cutting ceremonies at service academies and major bases.

Find some time to take a moment to reflect on the long history and important contributions of America’s military. Thank you to all Veterans of all eras for stepping up and serving our nation!