On the same grounds in Philadelphia where the United States declared its sovereignty from British rule more than two centuries ago, the Army defending that independence celebrated its 250th anniversary Saturday.

It's the U.S. Army's birthday. Originally created as a small force, its soldiers have played a major role in the U.S.'s growth and defense.

Montgomery County's only known Buffalo Soldier will be honored in Huntsville as a part of the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army celebration Saturday.

Written by Paul Mullins On June 14, 1775—more than a year before the Declaration of Independence was signed and well before the U.S. Constitution was ever drafted—the Second Continental Congress made a bold decision that would change the course of history: it formed a national army.

In 1775, the Continental Congress established the Army as the first U.S. military service. In 1777, the Stars and Stripes became the national U.S. flag. In 1922, Warren G. Harding became the first U.S. president to broadcast a message over the radio. The occasion was the dedication of the Francis Scott Key Memorial in Baltimore.

On this day in 1775, the Continental Congress, the governing body of the 13 American colonies and later the United States, set up the US Army. The newly formed force was given the job of protecting the colonies against British troops during the Revolutionary War.

America’s oldest military service turns 250 on Saturday. If you see an active duty, former, or retired member of the Army, wish their service a happy birthday.