It's the U.S. Army's birthday. Originally created as a small force, its soldiers have played a major role in the U.S.'s growth and defense.

Montgomery County's only known Buffalo Soldier will be honored in Huntsville as a part of the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army celebration Saturday.

Written by Paul Mullins On June 14, 1775—more than a year before the Declaration of Independence was signed and well before the U.S. Constitution was ever drafted—the Second Continental Congress made a bold decision that would change the course of history: it formed a national army.

July 1: Cherokee attack the southern frontier. July 4: Congress adopts the Declaration of Independence. It’s worth noting that two other branches of the military will turn 250 this year as well. The Navy, Oct. 13 and Marine Corps, Nov. 10.

Variety also suggested that the Army celebration was “propagandistic” because “displaying national military capabilities on U.S. soil” was “the sort of thing one sees in authoritarian nations like North Korea.

The United States Army is turning 250 this year on June 14. Here are some of the little-known things about the Army.

On this day in 1775, the Continental Congress, the governing body of the 13 American colonies and later the United States, set up the US Army. The newly formed force was given the job of protecting the colonies against British troops during the Revolutionary War.

America’s oldest military service turns 250 on Saturday. If you see an active duty, former, or retired member of the Army, wish their service a happy birthday.