On a day when national attention was drawn towards a significant military parade in Washington D.C. and a series of protests under the banner “No Kings,” many residents of Utah chose to honor a momentous occasion close to home: the 250th birthday of the U.S. Army.
The celebration took place at the U.S. Army Reserve Center in Fort Douglas, marking a milestone that Brigadier General Shawn Fuellenbach, the commander of the Utah Army National Guard, recognized as a testament to generations of service.
“It speaks to generations,” said Fuellenbach. “It speaks to the timeless principles that have carried our army from the greens of Lexington and Concord to the mountains of Afghanistan and right here in Utah.”
The event featured a ceremonial program synonymous with military festivities, including an Army band performance, a helicopter flyover, heartfelt speeches, and of course, the traditional birthday cake.
Jennie Taylor, who shared her personal connection to the Army through her late husband, Army Major Brent Taylor, emphasized the significance of the Army’s history.
“While we think of the Fourth of July as our nation’s birthday, it’s essential to remember that the Army is actually a year older than the United States,” said Jennie Taylor, who has become an advocate since her husband was killed during a 2018 deployment to Afghanistan.
“Every freedom we cherish today was fought for by the U.S. Army,” she added, voice filled with both pride and sorrow, recounting that June 14th holds personal significance as it marks Flag Day, the Army’s birthday, and the day her husband proposed to her.
“Three days after he proposed, I walked with him into the Utah National Guard headquarters where he officially enlisted,” Taylor said, encapsulating the profound ties between service members and their families.
Her words acknowledged the sacrifices not just made by soldiers but also by their loved ones, who support them through countless trials.
Recognizing the historical context of the Army, General Fuellenbach also paid homage to Fort Douglas, referring to it as a vital link between Utah and the national defense mission.
“For over a century, Fort Douglas has trained soldiers and served as a hub of readiness for our army,” he stated.
Notably, plans are underway for the land at Fort Douglas to be transferred to the University of Utah, which will in turn construct a headquarters for the Army Reserve in Bluffdale, Utah.
Fuellenbach also reflected on the enduring legacy of the National Guard as the oldest military organization in the nation, characterized by a bond between citizen-soldiers and their communities.
“You are part of this story, too,” he told the audience, underscoring the deep-rooted connections soldiers have with their local areas.
“Our soldiers come from your classrooms, your neighborhoods, and congregations. They are your sons and daughters, co-workers, and friends, which illustrates the partnership that has kept our Army strong for generations,” he added.
Colonel James Harwell, commander of Dugway Proving Ground, expressed his pride in serving alongside those who have answered the call to arms and highlighted the critical support roles that enable military operations.
“It wasn’t just the soldier fighting for that freedom; it was everyone who supported them,” said Harwell, emphasizing the importance of supply lines that sustain an army on the field.
He underscored the crucial role of Dugway Proving Ground in testing military equipment, essential for maintaining operational readiness and effectiveness.
Adding to the local tone, Colonel Luke Clover, commander of Tooele Army Depot, remarked on the integration of the U.S. Army into the fabric of Utah’s communities.
“The U.S. Army’s story isn’t solely one of distant battlefields or legislative halls; it is deeply intertwined with the heart of Utah’s communities,” Clover said.
He noted that local installations have fostered invaluable relationships and a sense of partnership with residents.
“We are celebrating a legacy of service and a tradition that has stood the test of time, honoring the men and women who wore the uniform as well as their families,” he stated.
The festivities were not confined to speeches alone. The grounds of Fort Douglas served as an outdoor museum, showcasing various eras of Army history with exhibits displaying weaponry, uniforms, mess kits, and historical paystubs.
Among the attendees was Chase Smith, who has family connections to the Army that date back to the Revolutionary War.
“I’ve chosen to continue that legacy to defend the rights of all Americans, whether they agree or disagree with current policies,” Smith noted, sharing his recent deployment experience in Djibouti.
Victoria Kimber, a student from BYU-Idaho, also attended the event, eager to learn more about the Army’s mission, which resonates with her family history as her grandfather served in the Army.
This year’s celebration of the U.S. Army’s 250th birthday was not just a commemoration of the past, but also a reflection of ongoing dedication and support for the military community and its enduring relationship with the citizens it serves.
image source from：https://www.deseret.com/utah/2025/06/14/utahns-celebrate-armys-250th-birthday/
