Two hundred and fifty years. One enduring story of service, sacrifice, and freedom.
2026 marks a historic milestone, reflecting on 250 years since the founding of the American military. It began with the citizen soldiers and militia men of the thirteen colonies who risked everything for a nation not yet born. They faced the world’s greatest military power, endured brutal conditions, and often served without pay so future generations could live free.
Their courage became the foundation of a legacy carried forward by every generation that answered the call after them.
We honor key moments across American history, from the fight for independence to the conflicts that shaped our nation in the centuries that followed. We pay tribute to those who served, those who made the ultimate sacrifice, and the families who carry that loss every day.
The story of American service doesn’t end. It carries on in every generation that answers the call.
Stories of Service
1775 Army, Navy, Marines Established
2025 marked 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.
Civil War begins 1861
On April 12, 1861, the American Civil War began at Fort Sumter in South Carolina. Over the next four years, over 620,000 Americans would die. This included Major Sullivan Ballou, who was killed three months into the war. Portrayed by James Whitmore, these were his last words to his wife, Sarah, on July 14, 1861.
WORLD WAR I
1914
During World War I, two million American soldiers would leave home to serve their country–over 116,000 of them would lose their lives by the end of the war.
From the 1998 concert, actor Richard Dreyfuss shares with us that time of patriotism and sacrifice, paying tribute to all who served during the WWI era.
Pearl Harbor
December 7th, 1941
On December 7, 1941, as disbelief turned from terror to hardened resolve, young men like Mickey Ganitch, stationed aboard the USS Pennsylvania, were thrust into one of our nation’s darkest mornings. QMCS Mickey Ganitch, USN (Ret.), made it his life mission to tell their story until his passing in 2022.
Korean War
1950 – 1953
Known as “The Forgotten War,” over 1.7 million Americans served in the conflict and over 36,000 lives were lost during the Korean War. The ill-equipped soldiers were thrust into the harshest battle conditions in this unforgiving land, with its steep mountain terrain and terrible extremes of weather.
One of the most brutal battles occurs at the frozen Chosin Reservoir.
Hear the Chosin battle story of Pvt. Ed Reeves, as told by veteran and Purple Heart recipient Charles Durning on the 2000 National Memorial Day Concert.
Vietnam War
1965
The bonds formed in service are unbreakable—standing the test of time, distance, and even the darkest days of war. Ernest “Pete” Peterson and Brad Kennedy first met on a 23-day boat trip to Vietnam while serving together in the 11th U.S. Cavalry. Through the chaos and hardship, their friendship became a lifeline.
Hear their story as told on the 2019 National Memorial Day Concert.
Start of the Gulf War
1990
The Gulf War was an armed campaign that would involve more than 500,000 American troops deployed to Saudi Arabia. Recalling the feelings of love, pain, and uncertainty from families affected by this conflict, Eli Wallach shares a father’s letter to his son, Lt. William Delaney, Jr.
September 11, 2001
9/11 Terrorist Attacks
In 2001, our nation united in a shared sorrow as we faced the tragedy of the September 11th attacks. For months after, firefighters in New York worked hand in hand with construction crews and volunteers as they searched to recover what they could of the almost 3,000 victims who were lost there. Among them was retired firefighter John Vigiano with the heartbreaking task of searching for his own sons.
At the 2002 Concert, Joe Mantegna shared his reflections.
Global War on Terror
The shocking events of September 11th, 2001 brought our nation together and instilled a renewed patriotism. Our traditional American fighting spirit rose again in the Global War on Terror. For over twenty years, first in Afghanistan, then in Iraq, our service men and women braved multiple deployments in what became the longest war in our history.