Armed Forces 250th Anniversary

U.S. Army, Navy, & Marine Corps

In 2025, three of the armed forces of the United States will be commemorating their semiquincentennials and VA250 is doing its part in honoring the 250 years that these branches of the military have been defending our nation.

 

U.S. Army 250

Established on: June 14, 1775

Exhibit at the National Museum of the United States Army
The National Museum of the United States Army is showcasing a special exhibit titled Call To Arms: The Soldier and the Revolutionary War, opening June 2025. Experience the sights and sounds of the American Revolution through the personal stories of the men and women who fought it.

Curated to commemorate the Army’s 250th birthday in 2025 and our nation’s independence in 2026, this landmark 5,000 sq. ft. exhibit will include a rare collection of Revolutionary War artifacts from the original colonies, England, France and Canada, accompanied by Soldier stories of our nation’s first veterans.

Upcoming Events

Ordnance Training Support Facility Open HousesOrdnance Training Support Facility Open Houses
August 30, 2025 - November 08, 2025
Prince George County

The Ordnance Training Support Facility contains 250 years of Army materiel, from tanks to self-propelled guns, troop transports, howitzers and surface... Read More

1775: Subject or Citizen1775: Subject or Citizen
November 08, 2025 - November 08, 2025
Henrico County

It’s 1775, and time to decide: Do you remain subject to the King or forge a new path as an independent citizen? While you ponder your path, talk wit... Read More



U.S. Navy 250

Established on: October 13, 1775

Thank you to all those who joined the American Revolution 250 Commission (VA250) at The Virginia War Memorial in Richmond for a special ceremony honoring the 250th anniversary of the founding the U.S. Navy.

Upcoming Events

250 Years of Service to the U.S. Navy250 Years of Service to the U.S. Navy
November 01, 2025 - November 01, 2025
City of Portsmouth

This lecture is the last lecture of a four-part speaker series from the Friends of the Naval Shipyard Museum. This lecture with talk about the 250 Yea... Read More


U.S. Marine Corps 250

Established on: November 10, 1775

The Marine Corps Heritage Foundation is planning a series of events nationwide to honor the legacy of the men and women who have served throughout the past 250 years.

The Commonwealth of Virginia’s birthday celebration will be held Friday, November 7, 2025 in Richmond Virginia.


Upcoming Events
Vietnam War Exhibit ~ Virginia and RockbridgeVietnam War Exhibit ~ Virginia and Rockbridge
November 05, 2025 - December 15, 2025
City of Lexington

The Rockbridge Historical is proud to partner with the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, by hosting the traveling exhibit, "Virginia and the Vietn... Read More

Americas 250 week at James Charles WineryAmericas 250 week at James Charles Winery
November 07, 2025 - November 11, 2025
Frederick County

Nov. 7 noon - kickoff with Rotary flags, food trucks and music Nov. 8 USMC Ball with pageant Nov. 9 Veteran Organizations Open House... Read More

U.S. Marine Corps 250th Anniversary CeremonyU.S. Marine Corps 250th Anniversary Ceremony
November 07, 2025 - November 07, 2025
City of Richmond

Please join the American Revolution 250 Commission (VA250) at The Virginia War Memorial in Richmond for a special ceremony honoring the 250th annivers... Read More

Mount Vernon Salutes VeteransMount Vernon Salutes Veterans
November 11, 2025 - November 11, 2025
Fairfax County

In honor of our nation's veterans, George Washington’s Mount Vernon admits FREE all active duty, former, or retired military personnel on Veterans D... Read More

1775 -2025: 250 Years of Marine Corps History and Heroes1775 -2025: 250 Years of Marine Corps History and Heroes
November 15, 2025 - November 15, 2025
Stafford County

Presented by Wes Barta, Christine Russ, and Task Force ONTOS of the National Museum of the Marine Corps. Explore the 250 years of the United States Ma... Read More

Virginia International Tattoo

April 24 – 27, 2025

Tattoo

The Virginia Arts Festival partnered with the VA250 Commission to put on an event that featured an incredible international cast of civilian and military performers. This Tattoo included an emotional and grateful tribute to the United States Army, Navy and Marine Corps on the occasion of their 250th birthdays. With stirring music and presentations, tributes from U.S. military bands and appearances by special guests, this Tattoo reminded us that as Americans, we have lived under a blanket of freedom woven by the service and sacrifice of our fellow citizen soldiers for 250 years.

In The News

Norfolk NATO flag raising ceremony kicks off the first night of the Virginia International Tattoo

Norfolk NATO flag raising ceremony kicks off the first night of the Virginia International Tattoo

April 24, 2025
WAVY TV

28th Virginia International Tattoo honors 250th birthday of U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps

28th Virginia International Tattoo honors 250th birthday of U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps

April 24, 2025
WTKR

The Virginia International Tattoo – a Scottish tradition with an American soul – returns this week, April 24-27, to the Norfolk Scope

The Virginia International Tattoo – a Scottish tradition with an American soul – returns this week, April 24-27, to the Norfolk Scope

April 24, 2025
Military News

Virginia International Tattoo coming to Norfolk April 24-27 on Coast Live

Virginia International Tattoo coming to Norfolk April 24-27 on Coast Live

April 23, 2025
WTKR

Virginia International Tattoo

Virginia International Tattoo

April 23, 2025
Times Virginian

Virginia International Tattoo will bring more than 100,000 to the Scope and bring $20 million to the economy

Virginia International Tattoo will bring more than 100,000 to the Scope and bring $20 million to the economy

April 22, 2025
WAVY TV

The Japan Air Self-Defense Force Central Band stops by Norview Elementary

The Japan Air Self-Defense Force Central Band stops by Norview Elementary

April 22, 2025
WAVY TV

Virginia International Tattoo a salute to 250 years of service, sacrifice

Virginia International Tattoo a salute to 250 years of service, sacrifice

April 21, 2025
WAVY TV

Virginia International Tattoo 2025 returns to Norfolk Scope Arena April 24-27: A Salute to 250 Years of Service & Sacrifice

Virginia International Tattoo 2025 returns to Norfolk Scope Arena April 24-27: A Salute to 250 Years of Service & Sacrifice

January 30, 2025
The Flagship

2025 Virginia International Tattoo will honor 250th anniversaries of U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Army

2025 Virginia International Tattoo will honor 250th anniversaries of U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Army

January 27, 2025
The Virginian-Pilot

Virginia International Tattoo to salute 250th anniversaries of U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps

Virginia International Tattoo to salute 250th anniversaries of U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps

January 24, 2025
13 News Now

‘Old-fashioned epic’ Virginia International Tattoo to feature new events

‘Old-fashioned epic’ Virginia International Tattoo to feature new events

January 24, 2025
Wavy TV