Today, we celebrate a milestone that few nations can claim: 250 years of strength, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment from the greatest military force the world has ever known — the United States Armed Forces.

Born in the fires of revolution and forged through centuries of service, our Armed Forces stand as a living testament to the American spirit: courageous, resilient, and relentlessly free. From the fields of Lexington and Concord to the deserts of the Middle East, the men and women who wear the uniform have carried the torch of liberty on their shoulders, generation after generation.

Built for Freedom, Forged in Resolve

The United States Army was officially founded on June 14, 1775, by the Continental Congress, nearly a year before America would formally declare her independence. It wasn’t created for conquest, or for empire. It was born for one reason: to defend the natural God-given rights of a people who refused to live under tyranny.

At a time when the colonies were facing overwhelming odds against the greatest military power of the 18th century — the British Empire — the formation of a unified fighting force was nothing short of miraculous. It represented a bold step toward independence and self-governance. It was not just about forming battalions; it was about forming a nation.

The Leadership of a Legend: George Washington

No celebration of our Armed Forces would be complete without honoring the man chosen to lead them: General George Washington. On June 15, 1775, just one day after the Army’s creation, Washington was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army. He was not only a brilliant military strategist, but a man of profound humility, principle, and character.

Washington turned a ragtag group of farmers, blacksmiths, and frontiersmen into a disciplined and determined army — an army that defeated the British crown and secured liberty for future generations. His leadership laid the foundation not just for victory, but for the values and traditions that our military upholds to this day: honor, duty, and country.

A Legacy of Freedom and Strength

For two and a half centuries, our Armed Forces have stood as the shield between liberty and tyranny. Whether defeating fascism in World War II, holding the line against communism during the Cold War, or confronting the threats of terrorism in the 21st century, our military has never wavered in its defense of the Constitution and the American people.

This is more than just history — it’s a legacy that lives on in every soldier, sailor, airman, marine, and guardian who answers the call. It lives on in every veteran, every family who has sacrificed, and every flag that drapes the coffin of a hero.

In today’s divided times, the military remains one of the few institutions that continues to unite Americans across every line. Because deep down, we all know: freedom isn’t free, and it never has been.

A Grateful Nation Remembers

On this 250th anniversary, we don’t just honor an institution. We honor a tradition of valor and virtue. We remember that our liberty was won — and is still preserved — not by politicians or pundits, but by brave Americans who are willing to lay down their lives for something greater than themselves.

To all who have served, and all who continue to serve — thank you. May God bless our Armed Forces, and may God forever bless the United States of America.