MADISON, May 29, 2025 — Join the Wisconsin Veterans Museum on June 13 and 14 as we celebrate the U.S. Army’s 250th birthday. Mark this milestone and honor the true spirit of our American warriors through their service, sacrifice, and achievement in defense of the people and democratic values of our nation since 1775.
On Friday, June 13 from noon to 1pm, join us at the Wisconsin State Capitol Rotunda. The event features appearances by the Wisconsin Army National Guard Band and Color Guard, a cake cutting ceremony, and remarks from public officials.
On Saturday, June 14 from 11am to 4pm, celebrate at the Wisconsin Veterans Museum. Meet World War II veteran and retired U.S. Army Brigadier General Lew Harned from noon – 2pm. He will be signing a children’s book, Lew for the Red, White, and Blue, authored by Miss Capital City’s Teen 2025, Natalie Popp.
Enjoy special guided museum tours and appearances by the Wisconsin Army National Guard Band and Color Guard.
Events are free and open to the public.
Origins of the U.S. Army
After the Sons of Liberty boarded ships in Boston and dumped 342 chest of British East India Company tea into the harbor on December 16, 1773 in protest of taxation without representation and the subsequent British repression of civil liberties, the seeds of colonial rebellion grew.
As tensions escalated over repression of the colonists, so did the violence. On April 19, 1775, tensions exploded into revolution when British troops fired on colonial militiamen at Lexington, MA. The subsequent Battles of Lexington and Concord brought open warfare to the colonies.
On June 14, 1775, the Continental Congress voted to create the Continental Army as a united colonial response against British repression. This new Continental Army included ten companies of riflemen who hailed from Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. The Continental Congress voted the next day to appoint General George Washington as the Commander in Chief of the Continental Army.
The United States Army of today, rich in military tradition, honors those colonists who fought in the name of the American ideal of freedom, even before the country existed.
