Celebrating Military Birthdays
Posted by Hayley Adams on Jul 1st 2021
Birthdays are all about celebrating the birth of those we love and respect around us. There are many ways to celebrate birthdays including things like throwing parties, gift giving, baking cakes, and singing. But the meaning behind it is always the same.
It is certainly no different when it comes to a military birthday. We celebrate each branch and its birthday because we are proud of our military members and what they represent. Here is a quick guide to each of our military branch's birthdays and a little history of its birth.
December 13, 1636
We recognize December 13th, 1638 as the birthday of the National Guard. This was the first militia regiments in North America and was organized in Massachusetts. This day marks the beginning of the organized militia, and the birth of the National Guard's oldest organized units is symbolic of the founding of all the state, territory, and District of Columbia militias that collectively make up today's National Guard. It is the oldest component of the Armed Forces of the United States.
June 14, 1775
The army originally consisted of volunteer soldiers with roots to the Continental Army — and was formed to fight the Revolutionary War. Today, as the largest branch of the U.S. military, the proud men and women of the U.S. Army continue to provide peace and security for all of us.
October 13, 1775
The United States Navy traces its origins to the Continental Navy, which the Continental Congress established on October 13, 1775. Since 1972 each CNO has encouraged a Navy-wide celebration of this occasion “to enhance a greater appreciation of our Navy heritage, and to provide a positive influence toward pride and professionalism in the naval service.”
November 10, 1775
The Marine Corps was founded to serve as an infantry unit aboard naval vessels and was responsible for the security of the ship and its crew by conducting offensive and defensive combat during boarding actions and defending the ship’s officers from danger.
August 4, 1790
The Coast Guard’s official history began on August 4, 1790, when President George Washington signed the Tariff Act that authorized the construction of vessels to enforce tariff and trade laws, prevent smuggling, and protect the collection of federal revenue. Responsibilities added over the years included humanitarian duties such as aiding mariners in distress.
September 18, 1947
Up until recently, this branch was known as the most recent branch of the U.S. military to be formed. The Air Force is also known as the largest and most technologically advanced air force in the world. Initially part of the United States Army, the USAF was formed as a separate branch of the military on September 18, 1947, under the National Security Act of 1947.
December 20, 2019
President Donald J. Trump signed into law legislation creating the first new armed service since the Air Force in 1947, the U.S. Space Force. The direct antecedent of the Space Force, Air Force Space Command, was formed on September 1, 1982, with responsibility for space warfare operations. Read more about the U.S. Space Force here!
Guardsman. Soldier. Marine. Sailor. Airman. Guardians. Each service member and branch of service has its own identity and purpose. We honor the legacy of service of these great American institutions.
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