250th Anniversary of the Founding of the United States Army
President Trump's proclamation designates June 14, 2025, as the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army's founding.
It recounts the Army's historical significance, from its creation during the Revolutionary War to its current standing as a dominant global force.
The proclamation also credits the President's policies with strengthening the Army, citing efforts to eliminate "Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion" initiatives, reinstate unvaccinated service members, and promote a "peace through strength" foreign policy.
Arguments For
The proclamation celebrates a significant milestone in American history, commemorating the founding of the U.S. Army and its role in securing national independence and defending the country.
It highlights the Army's contributions throughout its history, from the Revolutionary War to modern times, emphasizing its sacrifices and achievements.
The actions of the President to purge DEI from the ranks and reinstate unvaccinated servicemen are presented as boosting military strength and morale.
The proclamation reinforces the narrative of a strong military serving as a cornerstone of national security and foreign policy under the President's leadership.
Arguments Against
The proclamation's emphasis on specific Presidential actions (purging DEI, reinstating unvaccinated servicemen) may be seen as partisan and potentially divisive, overshadowing the historical commemoration.
The claim of superior military strength and recruitment as a direct result of presidential actions lacks independent verification and could be contested.
Excluding certain perspectives within the military, such as those of transgender service members, presents a narrow depiction of the Army's composition and readiness.
The proclamation might be criticized for lacking a broader commentary on the Army's evolution, challenges, and its role in a changing global landscape.
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
This is the formal introduction of a Presidential Proclamation, indicating that the following text is an official declaration from the President of the United States.
On June 14, 1775, the sword and shield of our Republic were forged when the Second Continental Congress voted to establish what would later become the United States Army. Today, our Nation proudly celebrates 250 years of our Army’s strength, service, valor, and discipline. We honor its heroic legacy as the guardian of our sovereignty and our fortress against tyranny — and we pay tribute to the millions of warriors who live by the motto: This We’ll Defend.
The passage marks the 250th anniversary of the Continental Army's establishment and praises the Army's long history of service and contributions to national security.
It emphasizes the historical significance of this day and the Army's role as a protector of American sovereignty.
Following the first shots of the Revolutionary War at Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775, it became clear to the patriots that — despite their persistent efforts for peace — war against the British was necessary as a final recourse in defense of their freedom. In the wake of the Boston Massacre, the Intolerable Acts, and the enduring injustice of taxation without representation, they established the First Continental Congress in the fall of 1774 to formally address their grievances. After dozens of patriots perished at Lexington and Concord, the Colonies reconvened — and by June 14, the delegates had decided that there was only one path forward.
This section provides historical context for the Army's creation, explaining that it came about as a response to the escalating conflict with Great Britain during the Revolutionary War.
The passage notes that war was considered a final resort after peaceful resolutions failed.
On that spring day, in a momentous act of unity and resolve, the Congress passed a resolution to formally establish the instrument of our national defense in the form of the Continental Army. “Resolved, that six companies of expert riflemen, be immediately raised in Pennsylvania, two in Maryland, and two in Virginia” the resolution reads.
This details the specific event of the Continental Army's establishment.
The quote from the resolution shows the initial size and composition of the newly formed military force.
With the passing of that fateful resolution, the scattered militias of the American Colonies banded together as a single force — boldly declaring that they would never waver in defense of their liberty and their home. The next day, George Washington was unanimously appointed as the Continental Army’s Commander-in-Chief. Weeks later, on July 3, 1775, he took charge of his Army in Cambridge, Massachusetts. “It is hoped that all Distinctions of Colonies will be laid aside so that one and the same Spirit may animate the whole, and the only Contest be, who shall render, on this great and trying occasion, the most essential service to the Great and common cause in which we are all engaged,” he wrote.
This section explains how the Continental Army successfully unified previously disparate colonial militias, underscoring this act of collective action as critical for the war effort.
The quote from George Washington emphasizes national unity as the primary objective during this crucial historical moment.
In the days, weeks, and years that followed, that very same Army shocked the Redcoats at Trenton and Princeton, won their first great victory at Saratoga, secured the cause of independence at Yorktown, preserved the Union at Gettysburg, held the line at Chateau-Thierry, stormed the bloody beaches of Normandy, and to this day, gallantly defends our inheritance of freedom against every foe with unmatched tenacity, courage, and strength. What was first formed as a ragtag army of farmers, frontiersmen, blacksmiths, and merchants now stands as the most dominant military force ever born of human will — guided by the promise to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic.
This passage summarizes significant military victories throughout the Army's lengthy history, contrasting its humble beginnings with its current status as a powerful and dominant global force.
The text connects this strength to its commitment to preserving the U.S. Constitution.
To ensure our Army’s storied legacy continues well into the future, as President, I have purged the sinister ideology of “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion” from the ranks of our military. I directed the Department of Defense to update its guidance regarding transgender — identifying medical standards to ensure our military remains the most lethal in the world. In a long overdue redress of injustice, I reinstated American service members who were dismissed for refusing the COVID vaccine, with full back pay and benefits. Every day, I am restoring a foreign policy of peace through strength — and as a result, military recruitment is soaring to historic highs. Under my leadership, the United States military will remain the mightiest, fiercest, boldest, and most revered in the entire world.
This section focuses on the President's actions and their claimed effect on the military's strength and readiness.
The mention of purging "Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion" and reinstating unvaccinated personnel strongly aligns the proclamation with a specific political agenda.
On this 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States Army, we pay tribute to every legend of liberty who sacrificed their life to keep America safe, sovereign, and free. As my Administration continues the work of protecting our homeland and upholding our way of life, we proudly summon the spirit, confidence, and resolve of the intrepid men who won our independence on the battlefield 250 years ago — and we vow that their legacy of courage will never perish, and that our sacred birthright of freedom will never, ever die.
This concluding remark reiterates the importance of remembering the sacrifices made by members of the U.S. Army throughout its history.
The text links these past actions to present efforts at protecting and upholding American freedom and the nation's values.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim June 14, 2025, as a day in commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States Army. This We’ll Defend.
This is the official proclamation from the President.
The President uses their authority to formally declare June 14, 2025, as the commemorative date.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirteenth day of June, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-ninth.
DONALD J. TRUMP
This concludes the proclamation with the signature of the President and the date it was signed, officially attesting to the declaration.
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