Staff Sgt. Jason Bauder of the U.S. Army Parachute Team makes a parachute jump with the American flag at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the Indianapolis 500 events in Speedway, Indiana on 27 May, 2023. The Golden Knights will be part of a birthday celebration for the Army hosted Saturday, June 10, 2023, by the National Museum of the United States Army at Fort Belvoir, Va. The Army’s 248th birthday officially will be recognized on Wednesday, June 14, 2023. (Megan Hackett/U.S. Army)
The National Museum of the United States Army at Fort Belvoir, Va., will host a free festival Saturday to commemorate the Army’s 248th birthday next week.
Featured at the festival, which is scheduled from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. ET, will be Army equipment and vehicle displays, an inflatable bounce house and gaming activities, according to a press release from the museum. The Army Parachute Team, the 3rd Infantry Regiment, the Army Band and the Army Drill Team all will perform outdoors.
At 1 p.m., Secretary of the Army Christine E. Wormuth, Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. James C. McConville and Sgt. Maj. of the Army Michael A. Grinston will give remarks during a ceremony, which will include the honorary promotion of Miles Avery to soldier for a day. Avery, 19, was diagnosed with leukemia in 2018, and he has the opportunity to participate in the celebration thanks to the Massachusetts Make-A-Wish chapter, according to the release.
The museum cafe and food trucks will have food and beverages for sale, according to the release. A limited number of Army birthday cupcakes and souvenirs will be available to visitors as well.
Although there is no admission charge, tickets must be reserved ahead of time.
The Army’s 248th birthday officially will be recognized on Wednesday, June 14.
