U.S. Army Birthday 2025: Celebrate and Help Veterans With Mesothelioma

3 Min Read

A closeup of an Army uniform's American flag patch with text reading "Happy Birthday U.S. Army June 14"

This year marks the Army’s 250th birthday. Officially established in 1775, the Army has played a crucial role in protecting America for centuries.

When is the U.S. Army birthday? The United States Army birthday is celebrated on June 14th each year. Events will take place across the country with the general theme of “This We’ll Defend.”

The most notable event is the Army Birthday Festival on the National Mall on June 14, with a parade and fireworks.

As you celebrate this year, take time to remember and support Army veterans with mesothelioma. This is a rare and aggressive cancer that many Army veterans have developed as a result of service-related asbestos exposure.

Below, learn more about the risk of mesothelioma in Army veterans and ways you can participate in the celebration of this branch’s 250th birthday.

Why Are U.S. Army Veterans at Risk of Mesothelioma?

U.S. Army veterans run the risk of mesothelioma since all branches of the military relied on asbestos-containing products between the 1930s and early 1980s. Asbestos exposure is the only known cause of mesothelioma.

Army service members may have worked with asbestos-containing materials like insulation, gaskets, and brake pads depending on their military jobs. Working with asbestos products could release fibers into the air, and breathing or swallowing them could trigger mesothelioma 10-50 years later.

U.S. Army veterans were put at risk of asbestos exposure from:

  • Army bases and barracks: Asbestos-containing materials like insulation, concrete, paint, and more were used to build more than 60 U.S. Army bases, exposing service members who built or repaired them.
  • Vehicles: Army mechanics handled asbestos-containing auto parts such as engine linings, brakes, gaskets, and more on an everyday basis.
  • Other assets: Army personnel may have risked exposure to asbestos from weapons, on-base housing, and more.

U.S. Army service members didn't know that asbestos was dangerous. Manufacturers hid the health risks from those serving — and the general public — for decades to make huge profits.

Help is available to Army veterans facing mesothelioma. Get our Free Veterans Packet for help exploring VA benefits, treatment options, and compensation.

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How to Celebrate the U.S. Army Birthday 2025

Whether you’ll be traveling to a national event or celebrating from the comfort of home, you have plenty of options to show support for the U.S. Army on June 14.

Ways to celebrate the Army’s 250th birthday this year include:

  • Attending the Army Birthday Festival: This is being held on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., starting at 11:00 a.m. It will feature a parade, military demonstrations, live music, and fireworks. The festival is free to the public.
  • Finding local events: For those who don’t want to travel, you can check your local TV and news listings to find out if an event celebrating the Army’s birthday will happen near you.
  • Showing your support online: There are plenty of simple ways to get involved, from sharing your personal story of service on social media, downloading digital graphics and banners, to using the hashtag #ArmyBDay.
  • Supporting U.S. Army veterans: Talking to an Army veteran in your life and thanking them for their service is a great way to celebrate the Army's birthday.

You aren't limited to the options above. Whatever way you choose to celebrate will go a long way toward honoring the service and sacrifices made by those who served in the U.S. Army.

Saying Happy Birthday to the U.S. Army and Supporting Veterans

Veterans of the U.S. Army have endured many challenges fighting for the freedom of the American people.

During this year’s U.S. Army birthday, we can give back to these veterans and show they’re appreciated, especially if they’re facing service-related health problems like mesothelioma.

The Mesothelioma Veterans Center is committed to helping U.S. Army veterans with mesothelioma get the help they need to fight this disease.

Our team may be able to help Army veterans with mesothelioma:

  • File for or maximize their VA benefits
  • Get treatments from top doctors and cancer centers
  • Seek compensation to cover expenses

Get a Free Veterans Packet or call (877) 450-8973 now to explore all the ways we can assist you or a loved one.

Veterans Support TeamLast modified:
Christopher Dryfoos PhotoWritten by:

Contributing Author

Christopher Dryfoos is a journalist and member of the American Medical Writers Association (AMWA). As the grandson of the U.S. Navy’s first forensic pathologist, he aims to help veterans with mesothelioma access needed care.

  1. U.S. Army. (2025, May 22). Army Birthday Media Resources. Retrieved from https://www.army.mil/article/285249.
  2. U.S. Army. (2025). Outreach Guide. Retrieved from https://api.army.mil/e2/c/downloads/2025/05/27/740107b2/army-250-birthday-outreach-guide-250522.pdf.
  3. U.S. Army. (2025). U.S. Army’s Birthday Festival. Retrieved from https://www.army.mil/1775/.
  4. Palmer, K. (2025, June 9). When is Trump’s military parade? What to know ahead of June 14. Retrieved from https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/06/09/trump-birthday-military-parade-washington-dc/84070451007/.