Pickens County Journalism Since 1999
The 250th birthday of the United States Army will be celebrated at Semper Fi Barn in Six Mile on Saturday, June 14
The public is encouraged to attend the 250th Birthday of the United States Army on Saturday, June 14, 2025, starting at 4 pm with a special swearing-in ceremony hosted at the historic Semper Fi Barn in Six Mile.
Themed “Legacy of Service, Future of Freedom,” the event honors two and a half centuries of Army service and welcomes the next generation of soldiers into that enduring tradition.
This meaningful, family-friendly ceremony will feature the national anthem, an invocation, and a stirring reflection on the Army’s historic and ongoing role in securing American freedom. Veterans from every major conflict from World War II to Afghanistan will be recognized, culminating in a symbolic “’passing the torch” from one generation of soldiers to the next.
A central highlight will be the administration of the Oath of Enlistment to local new recruits by a senior Army officer. The ceremony concludes with the traditional Army birthday cake cutting, shared between the oldest veteran and the youngest recruit present.
“We are proud to honor 250 years of sacrifice and courage,” said Staff Sergeant Justin Warren, Station Commander of the U.S. Army Recruiting in Clemson, who is co-hosting the event. “This ceremony is not only about remembering our history but reaffirming our commitment to the future of our nation.”
“West Point and the Long Gray Line owe an incalculable debt to those who have sacrificed since 1775,” added the Co-President of the West Point Society of Upstate South Carolina, also a co-host. “Our motto, ‘Duty, Honor, Country,’ is lived out every day by America’s Soldiers.”
The event is free and open to the public. Special seating will be reserved for veterans, military families, and the family members and friends of enlistees. Following the ceremony, all attendees are invited to enjoy fellowship, refreshments, and photo opportunities with veterans, soldiers, and new enlistees.
