At the request of Fort Polk’s 32nd Combat Hospital a celebration, co-hosted by the City of Lake Charles and the Mayor’s Armed Forces Commission, of the 244th birthday of the United States Army will take place on Monday, June 10, at 3:30 p.m. at the Lake Charles Civic Center (900 Lakeshore Drive) on the 2nd floor Mezzanine. The public is invited to this free event. 

“The Mayor’s Armed Forces Commission plans a number of events throughout the year to honor all the brave men and women who have served in every branch of the military for our great nation,” said Mayor Nic Hunter. “Specifically for Southwest Louisiana, Fort Polk and the 32nd Combat Hospital have been an integral part of Lake Charles’ history since WWII to present day. We were thrilled and honored when the administration of Fort Polk reached out and asked for this celebration to be hosted in Lake Charles. We are proud to partner for this momentous occasion.”

The oldest and longest serving branch of the United States Military, the Army was founded on June 14, 1775, and each year celebrates its birthday with a number of special ceremonies and customs. 

This local celebration will feature the traditional birthday cake cutting with a saber, and in accordance with tradition, the 1775 Congressional Resolution establishing the service will be read.

The Community Band will offer a performance of patriotic selections following the celebration. Guests are invited to stay for the Community Band Catch-A-Concert series beginning at 7pm.    

The Army’s 244th Birthday Celebration is being made possible through generous sponsorships from Manchac Consulting Group, Atakapa Services, Avail Hospital, CHRISTUS Health/US Family Health Plan, Keiland Construction, Pepsi Co., and American Legion Post 244.

For more information, contact Julie Pippin at (337) 491-1203 or jpippin@cityoflc.us.

United States Army 244th birthday Party