FORT KNOX, Ky. –
U.S. Army Recruiting Division and Marketing Engagement Brigade Soldiers are slated to join thousands of other Soldiers from around the force during the Army’s 250th Birthday celebration in Washington, D.C., Saturday.
The event is scheduled to feature a series of activities aimed to honor the Army's rich history and showcase its commitment to future service.
The day’s events will highlight fitness competitions, military demonstrations, equipment static displays and live music. The birthday festivities provide a chance for the public to interact with Soldiers and learn more about the Army's capabilities and opportunities.
“Outreach activities and demonstrations by the Army Parachute Team, the Golden Knights, are often the first engagement a community will have with the Army,” said Col. Karen Rutka, MEB commander. “Our Soldiers serve as ambassadors at events, bringing the Army to hometowns across the country.”
Featured at the birthday celebration, the Golden Knights, will perform aerial acts culminating in a final jump with an American flag, which will be presented to President Donald J. Trump.
“It’s a huge honor to be able to present the American flag, that our team flew in, to the president on the Army’s 250th birthday,” said Sgt. 1st Class Justin Brenner, Golden Knights team leader. “I can’t even begin to describe how excited I am for this jump.”
According to America250.org, the Army’s 250th birthday festival serves to showcase the Army’s modern capabilities and inspire a new generation to embrace the spirit of service, resilience and leadership.
The birthday parade traces the Army’s evolution from the Revolutionary War through the U.S. Army of Tomorrow, and parade spectators get to experience 250 years of Army heritage through historical U.S. Army personnel reenactors, period-accurate equipment, vehicles, flyovers and military bands.
“(Army Birthday 250) is a powerful opportunity to honor 250 years of American history, sacrifice and service,” said Lt. Col. Robert Martindill, Baltimore Battalion commander, . “It serves as a reminder of the enduring values that built our nation: freedom, resilience and unity. As a Soldier and commander, it’s also a chance to connect our current mission with the legacy of those who came before us.
Capt. John DeScisciolo, the Columbia Company Recruiting commander, will escort and lead approximately 100 future Soldiers as part of the birthday parade. These future Soldiers will join approximately 400 other future servicemembers to be sworn into their service of choice by President Trump at the parade’s finale.
“USAREC is all about the future of the Army,” DeScisciolo said. “If we’re celebrating 250 years, it only makes sense that the people helping build the next generation are part of it — the future Soldiers. Hopefully they inspire other people to see themselves in uniform with this event.”
Those participants who may see themselves as joining the next generation of Soldiers will have an opportunity to speak with Recruiters from USARD’s 1st Brigade, “The Victory Brigade,” as well as MEB Soldiers at the National Mall during the festival. “It’s a privilege,” Martindill said about the opportunity to participate in this historic event. “Leading a recruiting battalion that serves both Baltimore and Washington, D.C., two cities deeply rooted in our nation’s history, makes this opportunity especially meaningful. I’m proud that our team gets to play a part in this milestone celebration.” The birthday celebration extends past Washington, D.C. with official events in Philadelphia and New York City. These events will also feature U.S. Army Recruiting Command and USARD representation.
Lt. Gen Johnny Davis, USAREC commanding general, will enlist approximately 250 future Soldiers with the backdrop of the Liberty Bell in the Independence Mall in Philadelphia. Concurrently in New York City, Brig Gen. Sara Dudley, USARD deputy commanding general-operations, will cut an Army birthday cake and enlist another approximately 100 future Soldiers.
“Being involved in AB250 allows us to stand shoulder to shoulder with our communities and celebrate the shared history that binds us together,” Martindill said. “We are not only representing today’s Army, we’re helping shape its future, so it isn’t just a celebration of our history, it’s also an opportunity to set the conditions to continue to maximize our future potential.”
For more information and to participate in celebrations across the US, visit https://www.army.mil/1775/