On June 14, the Army celebrates its 249th birthday with several events in the Washington, D.C., area and across the force.

This year’s theme is “Honoring the Past, Defending the Future.”

Since its official establishment on June 14, 1775—more than a year before the Declaration of Independence—the Army has played a vital role in the growth and development of the nation.

“Our Soldiers and civilians are committed to defending our country, just as they have for the past 249 years,” Army officials said in a news release.

"From the Revolutionary War through today, the U.S. Army has answered every time the nation has called,” said retired Gen. Bob Brown, president and CEO of the Association of the U.S. Army. “Here at the Association of the U.S. Army, we are proud to support America’s Army, the greatest land force the world has ever known, and the soldiers who serve today and those who came before them. Happy birthday, Army!”

Celebrations in the Washington, D.C., area began June 12 with a Twilight Tattoo featuring soldiers from the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Virginia.

At 7 a.m. Eastern June 14, a run/walk will take place beginning at Summerall Field on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall and continuing through Arlington National Cemetery. At 10:45 a.m. Eastern, senior Army leaders will conduct a wreath-laying ceremony at the cemetery, which will be livestreamed here.

At 11:30 a.m. Eastern, a cake-cutting and reenlistment ceremony at the Pentagon will feature 30 soldiers from all three Army components. Click here to watch the livestream.

On June 15, an Army birthday festival will be held at the National Museum of the United States Army at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, with live entertainment, equipment displays, aerial parachute demonstrations and more. You can reserve free tickets here. Senior Army leaders will host a formal cake-cutting ceremony at 1 p.m. Eastern which can be viewed here.

A list of interactive links for Army Birthday Week can be found here.