(Photo provided by Jean Yost) From left, Washington County Veterans Service Commission Director Darren Shearlock, Marietta Mayor Josh Schlicher, Marietta Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution member Jean Yost, SAR President Bobby Fitzgerald, U.S. Army veteran Jack Haessly, Armory Square President Michael Mullen, Muskingum Valley Scout Council President Tony Durm, past Armory Square president and Marietta City Councilman Harley Noland, Armory Square Secretary Judy Phillips and Seth White, director of the Fort Harmar Fife & Drum Corps pose for a photo during a celebration of the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army Saturday at the Armory.

Area residents and veterans gathered on the front lawn of the Armory on Front Street Saturday morning to celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States Army at an event hosted by the Marietta Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution.

After welcoming the crowd in Revolutionary War period attire, chapter President Bobby Fitzgerald said that merely two months after the war erupted at the Battles of Lexington and Concord, the Continental Congress undertook steps to mount a united colonial response against the British. A journal entry from June 14, 1775, notes that the delegates adopted a resolution to enlist riflemen from the middle colonies to serve with New England forces in an “American Continental Army.” On June 19, 1775, Gen. George Washington was appointed as commander in chief.

Master of ceremonies Jean Yost introduced Marietta Mayor Joshua Schlicher, co-chairman of the America 250th Washington County Commission, and acknowledged the efforts of Nancy Hollister, former mayor and governor, as a member of the Ohio Commission for the U.S. Semiquincentennial. Both are involved in planning events and celebrations leading up to July 4, 2026.

Numerous veterans in attendance were recognized for their military service, including area resident Jack Haessly, who served in the Ohio Army National Guard and was stationed at the Armory for 10 years.

Keynote speaker Darren Shearlock, executive director of the Washington County Veterans Service Commission, recognized the “inherited liberty” of today’s American citizens and honored the legacy of the Patriot Army and successive generations of the armed forces.

According to a release from the local SAR chapter, Washington County is home to the final resting places of 292 Revolutionary War patriots.

Concluding the ceremony, Fitzgerald and Yost presented the SAR Annual Flag Awards.

Armory Square Inc. – represented by President Michael Mullen, past president Harley Noland and Secretary Judith Phillips – was honored for continued support of the Armory and the proper display of the American flag.

Three Scouting units chartered by American Legion Post 64 in Marietta were honored as well. Pack 207 and Troop 207 were recognized for the annual exchange of over 1,700 veterans’ flags in Oak Grove Cemetery, while Troop 1207 was recognized for the exchange of 409 veterans’ flags in Mound Cemetery. The Scouts and adult leaders participate in the dignified retirement ceremony conducted by the officers of Post 64 on Memorial Day and then burn the decommissioned flags.

Saturday’s event was sponsored by the Marietta chapters of the Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution, with support from the Washington County Veterans Service Office, Washington County Public Library, Marietta Chapter 743 Military Order of the Purple Heart and Ronnie W. Davis Memorial VFW Post 5108.