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# U.S. Army to mark 247th Birthday June 14

By Stefanie HauckDLA Land and Maritime Public Affairs

                COLUMBUS, Ohio  –              
June 14 not only hails as Flag Day but also is the birthday of America’s first militia, the U.S. Army. This year the Army celebrates it’s 247th Birthday.

According to U.S. Army history reports, on June 14, 1775, the Second Continental Congress authorized the formation of 10 companies from Maryland, Pennsylvania and Virginia to march to Boston to support the war against England for independence and put it under the command of General George Washington a few days later on June 19, 1775.

This army was known as the Army of the United Colonies until its name was changed to the Army of the United States after the Declaration of Independence July 4, 1776. That Army was mostly disbanded after the war but was reformed as the 1st American Regiment for national service June 2, 1784. By that fall, the whole U.S. Army was one regiment, consisting of eight infantry and two artillery companies.

The U.S. Army has participated in every conflict both on America’s shores and abroad defending our nation and its citizens ever since. Thousands of soldiers are participating in a variety of missions around the world at any given time ranging from security and defense to outreach and humanitarian operations.

The U.S. Army is encouraging soldiers and supporters to celebrate its 247th birthday in a variety of ways.

Everyone is invited to complete the 2.47-mile Army Birthday Challenge by running, walking or hiking in honor of the Army's Birthday and share your efforts on social media by tagging @USARMY or using #ARMY247 and #ArmyBday hashtags.

The Army Birthday Wreath Laying Ceremony at 9 a.m. June 14 at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier At Arlington National Cemetery will commemorate the Army's Birthday and honor all who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. The public is invited to tune in to this event which will be livestreamed and available on all Army social media channels.

A special Twitter Spaces Session – Defending America 24/7 – will be hosted by Sergeant Major of the Army, Sgt. Maj. Michael A. Grinston [MKCCDLAM(1] and will feature four soldiers stationed all over the globe as they discuss what Defending America 24/7 means to them. The live conversation will be hosted on the @USArmy Twitter platform on June 14 at 2 p.m.

The U.S Army has a dedicated webpage for this year’s birthday activities and includes sections on the history of the Army, the year in photos, Army Core Values, Army 101 and the US Army Vision and Strategy through 2028.

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Army BIrthday247th US Army BirthdayUS Army