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Virginia Celebrates U.S. Army’s 250th Birthday at Yorktown

People gather to celebrate the U.S. Army's 250th birthday at Yorktown Battlefield, with events featuring food, activities, and historical displays.

News Summary

Virginia commemorated the U.S. Army’s 250th birthday with events at Yorktown Battlefield, where Governor Glenn Youngkin and Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll spoke to around 200 attendees. The celebrations included speeches highlighting the Army’s legacy and future roles, a public event at Fort Eustis featuring activities and a fireworks show, and a festival at the American Revolution Museum with exhibits on the Army’s history. These events reflect the Army’s evolving significance and its historical contributions.

Yorktown, Virginia – Virginia celebrated the U.S. Army’s 250th birthday with events at the historic Yorktown Battlefield on Thursday, where Governor Glenn Youngkin and Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll addressed approximately 200 attendees. This gathering is part of a three-part national series commemorating the Army’s anniversary.

During his speech, Governor Youngkin highlighted the legacy of service and sacrifice that Army soldiers have provided over the past two and a half centuries. Secretary Driscoll added that past and future technological advancements in the Army would play a crucial role, while referencing global conflicts such as in Ukraine and Afghanistan.

The celebrations will continue on Friday at Fort Eustis, the largest Army installation in Hampton Roads, with a public event scheduled from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. This event will feature family-friendly activities, food trucks, displays of Army vehicles, helicopter exhibitions, and a concert by the Nashville Nights Band, concluding with a fireworks show.

In addition to the events at Fort Eustis, a golfing event priced at $50 per person will take place on Friday. Entry to the Fort Eustis event is free, but adults are required to present government-issued identification.

The festivities will extend to Saturday at the American Revolution Museum in Yorktown, where visitors can enjoy a festival organized by the Virginia Army National Guard and a one-man theatrical presentation titled “The American Soldier.” Admission fees for museum events are set at $20 for adults, $10 for children aged 6 to 12, and free for children under five and local residents of York, James City, and Williamsburg.

The American Revolution Museum will showcase exhibits celebrating the Army’s contributions and sacrifices over the past 250 years. Among its displays is a sword believed to have belonged to British General Cornwallis, symbolizing America’s victory in the Revolutionary War. The museum’s exhibition, “Call to Arms: The Soldier and the Revolutionary War,” is slated to run from June 7, 2025, through June 2027, featuring various artifacts from this pivotal era.

Historical context positions the surrender of British forces at Yorktown as a significant event that marked the end of the Revolutionary War. Exhibits will highlight the contributions of diverse soldiers, including Black and Native American participants, showcasing the varied experiences of those who fought for American independence.

The recent events were not without political undercurrents, as Youngkin drew parallels between Donald Trump and the founding father George Washington, advocating for a resurgence in American military strength and recruiting efforts. While some attendees responded positively to the sentiments expressed, others viewed them as politically charged remarks.

This year’s 250th birthday of the U.S. Army is an opportunity not only to honor past achievements but also to engage and educate the community about the Army’s evolving role and its historical significance. The celebrations in Virginia are a prominent part of this national milestone.