CONCORD, Mass. –
This year, as the Army Reserve marks its 117th birthday, it is honoring its ties to the Army and a legacy of service and sacrifice dating back to the “Minutemen” of Lexington and Concord — just a few dozen colonists against 700 seasoned British redcoats.
The Army Reserve traces its lineage to the citizen-Soldiers of the American Revolution through men such as Capt. John Parker, whose militia stepped forward in times of crisis. Formally recognized in 1908, the Army Reserve provides a force of trained professionals ready to augment the active-duty military.
“April 19th was the 250th anniversary of the ‘shot heard ’round the world,’ here in Concord, Massachusetts,” said Lt. Gen. Robert Harter, chief of Army Reserve and commanding general, U.S. Army Reserve Command. “Our Army was created by Congress because of what happened here today…because warrior citizens like Parker stared down the strongest army in the world and stood for what was right.”
On April 23, 2025, Harter and Command Sgt. Maj. Gregory Betty, command sergeant major of the Army Reserve, started the day on the fields of Concord, now aptly named the Minute Man National Historical Park, to honor its history by swearing-in 17 future Soldiers.
“We stand on the shoulders of those who came before us,” said Lt. Col. Jonathan Mace, a Reserve officer bridging past and present and supporting the celebration in period-correct attire.
“Just as the Minutemen left their farms and shops to fight for freedom, today’s Reserve Soldiers balance civilian careers with military duty—always prepared to serve.”
While the weapons and warfare have evolved, the Army Reserve’s mission remains vital. Today’s Reserve provides critical capabilities like cyber operations, petroleum transportation, and biological warfare specialists that didn’t exist in 1775 but are indispensable to the total force today.
With nearly 185,000 Soldiers and Civilians, the Army Reserve is a linchpin of national defense, deploying in support of global operations while maintaining readiness at home.
The Reserve’s unique strength lies in its Warrior Citizens, who bring civilian expertise to military missions. Like the militias of old, these Soldiers exemplify the balance between community and country.
The Concord celebration emphasized family, heritage, and generational service, with new Soldiers taking their first oath and re-enlisting Soldiers committing to another term of service.
Among the newest Army recruits was Karell Nganso, who follows in her brother Farell’s footsteps and continues the family’s tradition of service, recently graduated basic training and was on hand to witness his sister’s oath.
“I can’t wait to surpass my limits,” Nganso said. “It’s a new challenge of course, I’ve never done anything like that in my life. I can’t wait for my ship date to come.”
A follow-on Community Salute to Service at nearby Wright’s Tavern, a U.S. National Historic Landmark, reinforced the connection between past and present. The tavern served as a gathering place for colonial militias back in the 1700s.
There, the official birthday cake was presented and sliced with a military sword by both the youngest and oldest soldiers in attendance, in keeping with longstanding military tradition.
As the Army celebrates 250 years of service, the Army Reserve’s 117th birthday underscores its critical role in the total force, providing skilled professionals who balance civilian careers with military duty.