This summer, we launched a giving challenge to honor the 250^th birthdays of the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps. There’s still time to donate to show your pride, but I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to put my history degree to good use and share a little more about the history of each branch. We will celebrate again at Operation Alpha, so I hope you will join us!

After a decade of tension between the colonists and the British Monarchy, in April 1775, Paul Revere began his ride to announce the arrival of the British and the “shot heard round the world,” marking what is widely recognized as the beginning of the Revolutionary War. Notably, though conflict seemed inevitable, it wasn’t until June 14, 1775, that the Second Continental Congress established the Army and charged it with defending the 13 colonies against British aggression.

On October 13, 1775, the Second Continental Congress established the United States Navy to interdict British supply ships. Two armed vessels were charged with capturing supply ships to prevent much needed war materials from making it to ground troops.

And, finally (there’s probably a joke here, but I’ll let the Marines figure it out), on November 10, 1775, the Second Continental Congress authorized 2 battalions of Marines to serve with the Navy.

They were to serve as a landing force and provide security aboard Naval ships.

While all three branches were disbanded at the conclusion of the Revolutionary War, the Army was reinstated in 1792, with the others being reinstated in 1794. Over 250,000 served during the Revolution, creating the first generation of American veterans. Since the Revolutionary War, over 41 million Americans followed in their footsteps–serving, and sacrificing, for our freedom.

It is important to note that gratitude and compassion for veterans started with the first generation of veterans. Those who were injured or disabled during the War received a pension, and in 1818, Congress awarded pensions to those struggling financially.

At HVAF, we continue to express gratitude and compassion for those who served our country. We are dedicated to ensuring that after military service, we stand ready to assist any veteran in need. Through our housing, employment, mental health, and basic needs programming, we are offering hope, housing, and self-sufficiency for Hoosier veterans.

To honor your service or that of a veteran you know, please give today!

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