Imagine the spring of 1775. A new force was taking shape, one that would officially be born on June 14 and go on to shape the world for generations: the U.S. Army.

Happy birthday to the Army!

At that time, the American colonies faced a future they could hardly imagine. Tensions with Great Britain had been growing for years, but everything changed after the Battles of Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775. In Boston and throughout the colonies, ordinary people stood together and said, “No more.” Farmers, blacksmiths, merchants and fathers picked up muskets and surrounded British troops.

There was just one problem: there was no national army, no unified leadership, and no clear plan. If there was going to be real change, the colonies needed leadership and unity.

In June 1775, delegates gathered in Philadelphia for the Second Continental Congress to respond to the outbreak of war. One of those delegates was George Washington, a 43-year-old Virginian who had served during the French and Indian War. 

In many ways, the Army existed before America itself. 

By forming a united military force against Great Britain, Congress risked everything. If they failed, the leaders could have been executed for treason. The very next day, June 15, 1775, Washington was unanimously chosen as commander in chief of the Continental Army. John Adams strongly supported him, believing a leader from Virginia could help unite both the northern and southern colonies. Our future first president accepted the role humbly, admitting he did not feel fully qualified for the responsibility before him.

Washington quickly realized how difficult the task would be. The Army was not truly an army yet. Many soldiers had no uniforms, little ammunition and almost no training. Some carried weapons from home. Supplies were limited, discipline was weak, and the colonies often disagreed with one another. Yet Washington believed these men could become more than scattered militias. He believed they could become Americans.

The creation of the Continental Army and Washington’s leadership changed history forever. It was not only the beginning of America’s military, but it was also the beginning of a united nation. This movement of organized military forces began with about 20,000 volunteer soldiers. Today, there are nearly 1 million active duty Army, Army National Guard and Army Reserve combined.

That legacy still reminds us today that courage, unity and perseverance can change the future.

Kristopher Dahir is the executive director of the Columbia Basin Veterans Center, 1020 S. Seventh Ave., Pasco. Go to: columbiabasinvetcenter.org.