Celebrating Military Resilience and Community in 2025: A Year in Review

2025 was a significant year for the military community, marked by an array of events that showcased the resilience of service members and their families. From honoring the past to gearing up for future challenges, these moments painted a vivid picture of life in and around the armed forces.

The Army’s 250th Birthday Celebration

On June 14, 2025, the Army celebrated its 250th birthday with a grand festival on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. This event was not just a celebration of its storied history but also a chance to engage the public. A young boy, Brayden Forsythe, 10, from Haymarket, Virginia, gleamed with pride as he explored a Carl Gustaf recoilless rifle, a testament to the Army Rangers’ contributions. This moment encapsulated the joy and connection between the military and the younger generation.

Brayden Forsythe, 10, of Haymarket, Va., checks out a Carl Gustaf recoilless rifle used by Army Rangers during military service’s 250th birthday festival on June 14, 2025. (Corey Dickstein/Stars and Stripes)

Military Exercises Around the Globe

In the early part of 2025, the U.S. military engaged in various exercises, demonstrating its readiness and adaptability. A striking image from Estonia showed a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launcher firing during a test on January 27. This exercise was crucial in helping U.S. forces and their allies, like Estonia, develop a more formidable defense posture in light of regional tensions.

A High Mobility Artillery Rocket System launcher belonging to the U.S. Army-led Task Force Voit fires a test rocket on January 27, 2025, at a training area near Tapa, Estonia. (Phillip Walter Wellman/Stars and Stripes)

Another pivotal exercise took place in South Korea when U.S. Army AH-64 Apaches hovered over the Rodriguez Live Fire Complex on February 10, further solidifying commitments to cooperation and combat readiness with South Korean forces.

Honoring Fallen Heroes

January 2025 also brought somber moments as the nation paid respects to former President Jimmy Carter, whose casket lay in state in the Capitol Rotunda. This event reminded many of the importance of service and sacrifice, both in military uniforms and public office.

The casket of former President Jimmy Carter lies in state on January 8, 2025, in the Capitol Rotunda in Washington. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)

Innovations and Combat Readiness

As the year progressed, technological advancements came to the forefront. Soldiers launched FIM-92D Stinger missiles during a Cobra Gold drill in Lopburi, Thailand, marking a historic first for this joint exercise. These simulations highlighted the evolving nature of warfare, with hybrid capabilities increasingly coming into play.

Soldiers launch an FIM-92D Stinger missile toward a dummy drone target during a Cobra Gold drill in Lopburi, Thailand, February 28, 2025. (Alex Wilson/Stars and Stripes)

Memorial and Commemorative Events

2025 also saw memorials honoring the legacies of fallen service members. On Memorial Day, soldiers gathered at the Somme American Cemetery in France, saluting the sacrifices of their predecessors from World War I. It was a poignant reminder that the values of honor and remembrance resonate deeply within the military community.

Soldiers with the Army’s 7th Engineer Brigade salute in front of the memorial at the Somme American Cemetery in Bony, France, May 25, 2025. (Phillip Walter Wellman/Stars and Stripes)

Community Engagement and Support Programs

In July, community engagement took a creative turn as service members participated in the Garrison Games in Japan, forging bonds with Japanese soldiers through friendly competition. This initiative not only promoted physical fitness but also helped build cross-cultural relationships and mutual understanding.

Marine Sgt. Ace Peralta climbs a rope during the obstacle course portion of the Garrison Games at Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, Japan, July 10, 2025. (Jeremy Stillwagner/Stars and Stripes)

Commemorating History and Looking Forward

As the year came to a close, notable commemorative events included the 84th anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack, attended by veterans who laid wreaths in memory of those lost. Additionally, the Army-Navy football game in December captured the spirit of competition that exists within the armed forces.

Army and Navy players clash during an NCAA college football game on December 13, 2025, in Baltimore. (Gianna Gronowski/Stars and Stripes)

The blend of celebration, remembrance, and readiness painted a comprehensive picture of military life in 2025. The dedicated service of countless individuals, coupled with a strong commitment to community and honor, underpinned every activity throughout the year.