JOHNSTON, Iowa — The Iowa Goldstar Military Museum held a birthday party on Saturday September 20, to mark 250 years since the Army, Navy, and Marines started as military organizations.

The event took place at the Freedom Center on the Camp Dodge Guard Base in Johnston.

The day included a concert by the Iowa Military Veterans Band. Also, there were veterans wearing period uniforms from various era’s of military service.

“The United States Army was created by the Continental Congress on 14 June, 1775,” said Mike Vogt, the Goldstar Museum Curator. “The continental army was made up of colonial and militia companies and placed under the command of General George Washington.”

Vogt helped to coordinate the day, as it was sponsored by the Goldstar Military Museum.

“The United States Navy was created by the Continental Congress on 13 October, 1775, made up of privately owned vessels, and newly-built warships,” said Vogt. “The United States Marine Corps was created by the Continental Congress on 10 November, 1775.”

The US Air Force was created in 1946, while the US Space Force came into being in 2019.

“The National Guard, on a historical note, is the oldest branch of the military,” said Vogt. “There was a unit starting back in Massachusetts Bay Colony as far as their unit lineage and honors.”

The President of the Goldstar Museum Board said the military here is about preserving freedom.

“Our country has not gone to war to take over other countries we’re going to war to protect our freedoms,” said Bob Holliday, President of the Goldstar Museum Board. “What we are celebrating here today is the 250th anniversary of our countries military. Happy birthday to our military and we are still a free country.”