U.S. Army joins UFC Freedom 250 to celebrate 251 years of service

 

The U.S. Army will celebrate its 251^st anniversary with nationwide events scheduled throughout the weekend, including the historic Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Freedom 250 event at the White House.

On Friday, the Army teased its involvement in the seven-bout card on X, saying, “The U.S. Army is taking over the Octagon.”

Sunday marks the Army’s birthday. In the morning, the U.S. Army Military District of Washington will host the formal Army Birthday Wreath-Laying Ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, which will be livestreamed from the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Following the ceremony and the UFC Freedom 250 fan fest, which begins Saturday afternoon, the Army will make a special appearance at the major wrestling event. 

 

 

“U.S. Army combative fighters will take part in a special pre-match program to spotlight military readiness and heritage,” the Army stated.

In a historic first, the outdoor mixed martial arts event will take place directly on the White House’s South Lawn, featuring a crowd heavily packed with military personnel.

 

Also on Sunday, the Association of the U.S. Army and the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission will host an unveiling of a new historical marker permanently commemorating the Army’s origins outside Philadelphia’s Public Ledger Building near Independence Hall.

Founded as the Continental Army on June 14^th, 1775, the branch was established more than a year before the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

To mark the milestone, Army installations worldwide are hosting birthday balls and ceremonies alongside national celebrations planned across the United States.

 

On Friday, the U.S. Army Military District of Washington kicked off the weekend by hosting the annual Army Birthday Run. The commemorative event brought together service members and Department of War staffers for a morning run from Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall to Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.

“We had about 350 people, just short of 350 people today, which is one of the larger runs that we’ve had. Thank you all for coming out for that,” said Scott Abell, director of the Fort McCoy Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation. 

Rounding out the holiday weekend, Washington Nationals Park will host the annual “Army Day” on Monday. The ballpark tribute will honor soldiers, veterans and Army families with special festivities, including live performances by the U.S. Army Parachute and Drill teams while the Nationals take on the Kansas City Royals.