Event Marks the 250th Anniversary of the Army and Launches a New Campaign for Service
On June 12–13, prominent military leaders, veterans, and civic figures convened at Mount Vernon, the estate of George Washington, to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States Army. The gathering also marked the official launch of the Military 250 campaign, a national initiative led by the nonpartisan nonprofit We the Veterans and Military Families. The campaign aims to inspire 250,000 acts of service, encouraging Americans to embody the values of the flag through deeds rather than mere symbolism.
Organizers emphasized that true service extends beyond the military. Ellen Gustafson, co-founder of the nonprofit, argued that patriotism is demonstrated through everyday actions, such as volunteering at schools, helping neighbors, or engaging in local government. The event’s location at Mount Vernon, where Washington first commanded the Continental Army, was deliberately chosen to reflect the historical call to service that the nation’s leaders have always answered.
The event featured a range of activities, including a formal reception at Mount Vernon’s Smith Theater, where notable voices such as Gen. George W. Casey Jr., NFL CFO Christine Dorfler, and former presidential candidate Carly Fiorina addressed the crowd. Panel discussions explored topics such as civic duty, trusted leadership, and patriotic service. Additionally, celebrity chef and Royal Navy veteran Robert Irvine shared insights on the role of service in modern society.
Gustafson highlighted the community’s previous contributions to the country, such as the success of the Vet the Vote initiative, which mobilized over 160,000 veterans and military families to serve as poll workers during the 2024 election. She expressed hope that the Military 250 campaign would reignite a spirit of collective responsibility and action, making Flag Day a symbol not just of honor, but of active commitment to the nation’s values.
The campaign’s official website, wetheveterans.us, invites individuals to log their act of service and learn more about the initiatives. Gustafson reiterated that the message is clear: the flag stands for what the people do to support it.