Celebrating Army's 250th Birthday Celebration Theme: This We'll Defend Celebrating Army's 250th Birthday Celebration Theme: This We'll Defend Breadcrumb about history of west point west point army 250th About MENU Academy Leadership Developing Leaders of Character History of West Point Modernization Plan Accreditation & Assessment Visit the Academy Academic Calendar About Army 250th On June 14, 2025, the Army will celebrate its 250th birthday. The U.S. Army, founded even before the nation it defends, has been an integral force in shaping America’s history and protecting its democratic ideals. Since its foundation, the Army has served as a steadfast guardian of the United States, safeguarding the American way of life through dedication, resilience, and strength. From the Revolutionary War to modern-day missions, Army Soldiers have exemplified the spirit of service, overcoming challenges and transforming obstacles into opportunities that have built and defended our nation.Over the next eight years, the United States Military Academy at West Point will honor and reflect on our history while celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution, the Army, and the Nation. First fortified in August 1775 on what became Fort Constitution, Fortress West Point became the nation’s oldest continuously occupied garrison when Continental troops permanently occupied the west side of the s-shaped curve on the Hudson River in January 1778. General George Washington kept Fortress West Point manned and defended throughout the war and still deemed it the “key of America” in 1783 as he was suggesting plans for the post-Revolutionary military force. Learn more about the Army 250th About the West Point 250th Crest The outer ring is the Great Chain, taken from an aerial view of the Great Chain that currently resides on Trophy Point. The 13 links represent the 13 original colonies, a clevis, and a swivel – two major innovations by Captain Thomas Machin in 1778 ensuring that the Chain did not break.This logo is for local events and clearly links West Point to those events and this celebration.1775-1783 are the 8 years of the American Revolution and years that “Fortress West Point” was a fortification belonging to the Revolutionary Army. About the Army 250th Crest The Army's 250th anniversary logo is designed to reflect the power and enduring strength of the U.S. Army, as represented by the battle-hardened star and broken circle that for much of its history signaled the presence of U.S. Army forces in defense of freedom and democracy around the world. Celebration Events Fort Hamilton's 200th AnniversaryJune 13, 2025Fort Hamilton, Brooklyn, N.Y. NYC Recruiting Battalion's Army Birthday 250thJune 14, 2025Times Square, New York City, N.Y. West Point's Army 250th Birthday CelebrationJuly 4, 2025West Point, N.Y. Army Birthday 250 at New York METS Block Party June 14, 2025Citi Field, Flushing, N.Y. U.S. Army Experience at Bryant ParkJune 14, 2025Bryant Park, New York City, N.Y. Follow us Contact us For more information and resources, please visit the Public Affairs page.