Dozens of Historians Across Generations Mark U.S. Army’s 250th Anniversary Through Engaging Activities
(Brandy Station, Va.) — To celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States Army, the American Battlefield Trust welcomed dozens of families to the 2025 Generations Event at Culpeper Battlefields State Park. Held 250 years to the day of the Army’s founding, the Generations Event was designed to help adults pass along their passion of history to kids through a variety of engaging, hands-on activities surrounding the American military.
“The work of preserving our nation’s hallowed ground can only be accomplished if new generations understand and appreciate what happened on America's battlefields and the impact of those events had on America,” said Trust President David Duncan. “The Generations Event created an incredible opportunity for families to make lasting memories, and Brandy Station served as the perfect setting for historical exploration.”
The event, which was free and open to the public, focused on educating and inspiring younger historians aged 6-17. Participants learned to march like soldiers, wore period military uniforms and explored what life was like in Virginia during the beginning of the American Revolution. The Generations Event also educated attendees on local Virginia history, including the Culpeper Minutemen — a Virginia militia unit that defended the Old Dominion in 1775 before some of its members joined the Continental Army.
Since 2015, American Battlefield Trust's Generations Events have inspired hundreds of children at historic sites and preserved battlefield land through unforgettable learning experiences. From iconic Civil War battlefields like Gettysburg, Antietam and Fredericksburg to turning-point Revolutionary War sites like Camden, George Washington's Ferry Farm and Valley Forge, kids have been immersed in inspiring stories and engaging learning moments.
The American Battlefield Trust is dedicated to preserving America’s hallowed battlegrounds and educating the public about what happened there and why it matters today. The nonprofit, nonpartisan organization has protected nearly 60,000 acres associated with the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, and Civil War across 160 sites in 25 states. Learn more at www.battlefields.org.
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(Additional images and video available upon request)
