President Trump addresses military parade celebrating 250 years of the U.S. Army

June 15, 2025 – WASHINGTON, D.C. – President Donald J. Trump (R) addressed the thousands of soldiers and spectators at the parade in Washington in observance of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the U.S. Army. The U.S. Continental Army was created by the Continental Congress on June 15, 2025 - over a year before the signing of the Declaration of Independence - thus the army predates the country.

"Thank you to the greatest fiercest and bravest fighting force ever to stride the face of this earth, the United States Army," said President Trump. "Thank you very much. Corse the Army keeps us free. You make us strong. And tonight you have made all Americans very proud."

"To every veteran across our land and right here in our nation's capital, including six recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor, we love you, we honor you, and we salute your noble service to our flag and to our country," said Trump. "As we celebrate tonight, we also think of the hundreds of thousands of Army soldiers who have made the supreme sacrifice for our nation and selflessly laid down their lives in every war, from the Revolution to the war on terror. To the Gold Star families with us today, the courage of your heroes is the bedrock on which our entire nation stands. We thank you. Yes, we thank you. Today we commemorate an event that did not just change American history, but changed the history of the entire world. With the creation of America's army on June 14th, 1775, liberty got its shield and the freedom got its sword."

"Those first army patriots in the American Revolution fought against a fearsome enemy and impossible odds, but they were armed with a righteous cause," said Trump. "They were led by an indomitable commander, a truly great man, General George Washington. And they were united by an eternal creed. Their motto was victory or death."

"Over the past two and a half centuries, our warriors have shown unrivaled valor on fields and battle around the globe," continued Trump. "With the frost-bitten feet and bloody fists, they have marched into the flames and fury of combat, charged up mountains, stormed beaches, waded through torrents of gunfire, and leapt into skies thick with smoke and shrapnel."

"The U.S. Army has driven bayonets into the heart of sinister empires, crushed the ambitions of evil tyrants beneath," added Trump. "The threads of American tanks, it's done so well, it's done so much, and sent the devil himself flying into full retreat. Time and again, America's enemies have learned that if you threaten the American people, our soldiers are coming for you. Your defeat will be certain, your demise will be final, and your downfall will be total and complete because our soldiers never give up, never surrender, and never, ever quit. They fight, fight, fight and they win, win, win. And that's why no institution in history has entered more names into the roster of American heroes than the U.S. Army, the Congressional Medal of Honor."

"There is no earthly force more powerful than the brave heart of a U.S. infantrymen or an army ranger, paratrooper or green beret," said President Trump. "They are the best. They are the finest. From Bunker Hill to San Juan Hill, from Gettysburg to Guadalcanal, from Yorktown to Shiloh, and from the trenches of the Argonne to the mountains of Afghanistan, the army has forged a legacy of unmatched courage, untold sacrifice, and unequaled and undying glory."

Congressman Gary Palmer (R-AL06) said on Twitter, "Thank you to all who have served in the Army and our other military branches, and those currently on the front lines defending our freedoms."

Vice President J.D. Vance (R) said, "Great parade and fireworks show in honor of the Army's 250th anniversary. Congratulations and thank you to all of our great soldiers!"

U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Alabama) said, "Today we celebrate 250 years of the @USArmy. I am grateful for every service member who has served or is currently serving in our Army for defending our great nation."

Congressman Robert Aderholt (R-AL04) said, "Happy 250th Birthday to the U.S. Army! 🇺🇸 Since 1775, the Army has defended our freedoms with courage and honor. Grateful for all who've worn the uniform-past and present. May God bless our Soldiers and their families."

Congressman Dale Strong (R-AL05) said, "Happy 250th birthday to the @USArmy!! For two and a half centuries, our Army has stood as a symbol of the strength and spirit of the American people. With honor and courage, our soldiers have defended freedom and liberty across generations. Thank you to all who serve and have served."

Senator Katie Britt (R-Alabama) said, "Growing up just outside the gates of Fort Rucker, I witnessed firsthand the unwavering dedication and sacrifice of our U.S. Army servicemembers and their families. For 250 years, these brave men and women have not only defended our nation but have also safeguarded our God-given liberties every day."