250TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE U.S. ARMY, NAVY, AND MARINE CORPS
2025 marks three important American anniversaries: the 250th birthday of the United States Army, Navy, and Marine Corps. Our armed forces answered the call to service even before the United States became a nation. Today, they sustain that nation’s freedoms. On land, sea, air and in space.
Then, as now, its members came from all walks of life: From towns and cities — from factories and farms — from one end of the country to the other. We enjoy our freedoms today because of what they accomplished.
U.S ARMY: “THIS WE’LL DEFEND”
On April 19th, 1775, the “Shot Heard Round the World” was fired on Lexington Green when militia men from Massachusetts faced off against British Forces. Two months later, the 2nd Continental Congress authorized the establishment of a united fighting force drawn from across the colonies. George Washington was nominated to be its leader.
Over eight arduous years of struggle with Great Britain, what emerged as the United States Army became the symbol around which thirteen fractious colonies rallied – and ultimately won their freedom. The principles established at its founding remain unwavering. Always place the mission first. Never accept defeat. And never quit.
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U.S. NAVY: “SEMPER FORTIS”
Born in Philadelphia on October 13th, 1775, the U.S. Navy began as a small fleet of twenty-seven ships. Pitted against the 18th century’s greatest seafaring power, the Navy defended our freedom of the seas – not only in the American Revolution, but in battle after battle across the globe. From its humble origins, the U.S. Navy has grown into the world’s most powerful maritime force, guided by the words “Not Self-But Country.”
U.S. MARINE CORPS: “SEMPER FIDELIS”
The United States Marines started as a single battalion of three hundred men in November 1775. Their first taste of combat came with an amphibious landing at Nassau, New York in the pivotal year of 1776. The fighting spirit forged in the fire of the American Revolution lives on in our Marines today. These words remain true: “Once a Marine, Always a Marine.”
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Though their missions differ, the United States Army, Navy, and Marines share core values.
Duty. Honor. Courage. Commitment.