We the Veterans Co-Founders Unveil National Campaign to Honor 250th Anniversary of Founding of U.S. Army, Navy and Marine Corps
WASHINGTON – In a new op-ed for Stars and Stripes, We the Veterans Co-Founder and Co-Executive Director Ellen Gustafson and We the Veterans Co-Founder and Co-Executive Chairman Ben Keiser announce the launch of Military250, a national campaign to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the U.S. Army, Navy and Marine Corps. This initiative will commemorate key milestones in American history while honoring veterans and military families over this quarter millennia.
“Military250 isn’t just about looking back; it’s about inspiring all of us to look forward and recommit to the ideals that make our country strong: unity, resilience and pride in civic action. Since their inception in 1775, the U.S. Army, Navy and Marine Corps have been integral to the story of America. Those who have worn the uniforms and their families have defended our freedoms at home and abroad, carried the weight of sacrifice on their shoulders, and reminded us of the values we all share, so often as citizens following their service. Military250 is an opportunity to honor this legacy and to reflect on how each of us can carry it forward in our own communities,” writes Ellen Gustafson, a Navy spouse and Co-Founder and Co-Executive Director of We the Veterans and Ben Keiser, a Marine Corps veteran and We the Veterans Co-Founder and Co-Executive Chairman.
Gustafson and Keiser go on to underscore how Military250 will aim to showcase active, service-driven citizens:
“Throughout 2025, we will highlight 250 acts of service that veterans, military family members and all Americans can participate in, 250 veteran and military family organizations, and 250 members of our community who exemplify continued service as citizens. We invite fellow members of the community to join us as we demonstrate our love of the country and the military through acts of service.”
Further, the pair details how service patriotism extends into our communities, writing “Of course, the values of service and sacrifice are not confined to our armed forces. They are reflected in every act of good citizenship, whether it’s voting, volunteering or simply looking out for our neighbors. Military250 challenges us to see patriotism not just as a national concept, but as a local, community-driven practice.”
Ellen Gustafson and Ben Keiser’s full piece in Stars and Stripes can be found here.
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We the Veterans and Military Families is a nonpartisan organization created by veterans and military members. More information about the organization can be found at https://www.wetheveterans.us/