On the evening of June 18, Fort Bragg will commemorate a historic milestone with the U.S. Army 250th Birthday Gala, a signature event that will bring together distinguished military leaders, service members, veterans, and local residents in an elegant celebration of one of America’s oldest and most revered institutions.
Hosted at the Iron Mike Conference Center from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., the gala stands as the cornerstone of a week-long celebration honoring 250 years of Army service, sacrifice, and strength. Guests will experience a meticulously curated evening of tradition, honor, and community engagement that reflects the Army’s enduring motto: “This We’ll Defend.”
The U.S. Army was officially founded on June 14, 1775, by the Second Continental Congress, making it the oldest branch of the United States military. This year’s 250th birthday provides a rare moment to reflect on its contributions to national defense across the Revolutionary War, Civil War, World Wars I and II, the Cold War, and 21st-century conflicts, including operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and beyond.
At Fort Bragg, home to the XVIII Airborne Corps, 82nd Airborne Division, and U.S. Army Special Operations Command, the gala is especially meaningful. The installation has long served as a key strategic and symbolic post, representing the grit and adaptability of modern warfare and the enduring traditions of the U.S. Army.
The June 18 event is designed as a formal evening that includes ceremonial elements, patriotic performances, and multimedia presentations. Attendees will journey through a visual and emotional narrative of Army history, punctuated by live music, symbolic table settings, and official military honors.
Several high-profile military leaders and public figures are set to attend the gala. Gen. Andrew Poppas, Commanding General of U.S. Army Forces Command, is expected to deliver the keynote address, highlighting the Army’s evolution and readiness for future challenges.
Other key figures scheduled to attend include Command Sgt. Major Lisa Rivera, a central figure in planning the event, and Col. Marcus Taylor, Chief of Strategic Operations, who has coordinated efforts to spotlight current Army initiatives such as modernization, digital readiness, and personnel support.
Community and civic leaders will also be present, among them Mayor Mitch Colvin of Fayetteville and representatives from the Military Affairs Council of Greater Fayetteville, Cumberland County Schools, and local veteran service organizations. Invitations have been extended to members of North Carolina’s congressional delegation, including Congresswoman Deborah Ross, who has demonstrated consistent support for military families.
Each gala table will be arranged to encourage dialogue between generations and across military-civilian lines. Active-duty soldiers will share tables with retirees, while civilians and public officials will be seated with veterans and Gold Star families.
The evening’s program will begin with a formal reception and photo opportunities in the lobby of the Iron Mike Conference Center. A historical exhibit featuring artifacts and visuals from key Army milestones, curated with assistance from the 82nd Airborne Division War Memorial Museum, will set the stage for the celebration.
The official ceremony will open with the presentation of the colors and the National Anthem performed by the 82nd Airborne Division Band. Throughout the evening, the band will provide live musical accompaniment with selections ranging from “The Army Goes Rolling Along” to contemporary patriotic pieces.
A poignant part of the program will feature the remembrance table, a silent and symbolic tribute to prisoners of war and those missing in action. The ceremonial cake-cutting, a cherished Army tradition, will be performed with a saber, and the honor will be shared by the youngest and oldest soldiers present, symbolizing the continuity of service across generations.
Video tributes will feature archival footage and personal testimonies from soldiers past and present, capturing the evolution of the Army from the colonial militias of 1775 to today’s tech-driven, globally engaged force.
The gala will serve as a military celebration and a community event emphasizing Fort Bragg’s connection to the region. Civic organizations, educational leaders, small business owners, and nonprofit representatives have been invited to participate, reinforcing the installation’s long-standing partnership with the surrounding communities.
Earlier in the week, on June 13, the Fort Bragg chapter of the Association of the United States Army will host a scholarship luncheon, recognizing military dependents pursuing higher education. On June 14, the Army’s official birthday and Flag Day, Fort Bragg’s Smith Lake Recreation Area will host a public celebration with games, food vendors, and a fireworks show open to families.
The week-long observances reflect a collaborative effort between Fort Bragg, local governments, and private sector partners to raise awareness of the Army’s legacy and encourage public appreciation of military service.
While the gala focuses on the past, it will also highlight the Army’s ongoing transformation.
Attendees will get a closer look at topics such as Army Futures Command, Project Convergence, and the development of autonomous systems, artificial intelligence, and enhanced battlefield communication technologies. The goal is to emphasize that while the Army honors its storied past, it is equally focused on preparing for the challenges of the next century.
A short documentary film produced in collaboration with Army Public Affairs will air during the gala. Narrated by a nationally recognized veteran advocate, the film will juxtapose scenes of historical conflict with footage from current Army training and humanitarian missions, illustrating the Army’s evolving mission and the human stories behind the uniform.
Attendance, Dress, and Livestream
The event is open to active-duty service members, retirees, veterans, Gold Star families, and local civilians. Tickets are available through the Military Affairs Council of Greater Fayetteville.
Attendees are expected to wear formal attire or the Army Service Uniform. Security and access protocols will be in place, and guests are advised to arrive early for check-in and seating.
For those unable to attend in person, portions of the gala will be live-streamed through Fort Bragg’s official Facebook and YouTube channels.
The Army’s 250th Birthday Gala at Fort Bragg will be an unforgettable evening, one that commemorates not just the formation of an institution but the stories of millions who have worn the Army uniform.
From its founding in the days before American independence to its role in shaping global peace and security, the U.S. Army has stood as a symbol of duty, courage, and resilience. The gala will honor that legacy, celebrate the soldiers of today, and inspire the next generation to uphold the same commitment.
As the stars and stripes are raised, the last chords of patriotic music echo through the Iron Mike Conference Center, and guests reflect on 250 years of military history, the message will be clear: the Army’s mission endures, its spirit remains unshaken, and its future is as strong as its past.
For more information, ticket reservations, or media inquiries, visit https://bit.ly/3FlZvhD or contact Fort Bragg’s Public Affairs.