by Colonel Bruce R. Pulver, Commander, The United States Army Band (“Pershing’s Own”)
On 14 June 2025, the Army celebrated its 250th Anniversary. Army Bands played a significant role in the festivities for this historic event. The morning got off to an early start with media engagements on Fox & Friends by The U.S. Army Brass Quintet and fifers from The Old Guard Fife & Drum Corps. For one of the segments, Lee Greenwood stopped by to lead the Brass Quintet in their rendition of “God Bless the USA.”
Also that morning, the U.S. Army Ceremonial Band, Bugler, and Drummer played the National Anthem and Taps for a wreath laying by the Secretary of the Army (joined by the Army Chief of Staff and Sergeant Major of the Army, hosted by the MDW CG) at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery.
Musicians supported events throughout the day, including the Army Birthday Festival, opening ceremony, fitness competition, White House reception, and more. All building to the main event… the Army 250 Parade.
“Pershing’s Own” led the procession across Memorial Bridge, past the Lincoln Memorial, and down Constitution Avenue to the Presidential reviewing stand.
The parade officially kicked off with SSG Caroline Nielsen singing the National Anthem, accompanied by the U.S. Army Orchestra and featuring the U.S. Army Herald Trumpets.
“Pershing Own” then performed The Army Song as they marched past the reviewing stand.
Next up, The Old Guard Fife & Drum Corps represented the American Revolution Era.
Following the Civil War segment of the parade, the 42d ID Band (NY ARNG) played for the World War I era.
Bands from the 82d and 101st Airborne Divisions were featured during the World War II portion of the parade.
Moving into the Vietnam era, the next musical unit appearing in the parade was the 1st Cavalry Division Band.
In one of their last appearances before inactivation, the TRADOC Band provided the music for the Gulf War era.
The Global War on Terror (GWOT) era showcased an assortment of combat vehicles. The Army Rock Band, “Downrange,” performed live on stage as these vehicles rolled by the reviewing stand.
The U.S. Military Academy (West Point) Band escorted cadets from the Academy, representing the future of the Army.
The Army’s 250th Birthday was capped off with a spectacular fireworks display. The U.S. Army Orchestra provided the soundtrack for the Fireworks Extravaganza featuring the Herald Trumpets, Army Chorus, vocal soloist SSG Ian McEuen, and Bugler SGM Matthew Byrne.
As they’ve been doing for 250 years, Army Bands brought pageantry and precision to mark this monumental occasion. Plans are already underway to commemorate America 250 next year. Undoubtedly, Army Bands will elevate every observance they participate in as we celebrate the 250-year history of our Nation.
