The U.S. Army Reserve celebrated its 118th birthday on April 24, 2026, at Independence Hall and the Betsy Ross House in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The event marked a significant milestone with the enlistment of 118 future Soldiers.
As part of the ceremony, the National Anthem was performed by Chief Warrant Officer 2 and country musician Craig Morgan Greer. Army Reserve chefs cut a celebratory cake during the festivities.
Lt. Gen. Robert Harter, chief of Army Reserve and commanding general of U.S. Army Reserve Command, emphasized the importance of military service and community outreach. Nearly half of the new recruits will join the Army Reserve.
Key details from the event:
- The celebration included a reenlistment ceremony.
- The Army Reserve supports both domestic and overseas military operations.
- Maj. Donald Petty serves as the executive officer for the Army’s Mid-Atlantic recruiting battalion.
- The event highlighted efforts to attract top talent from local communities.
Jim Bernet, an Army Reserve Ambassador at Large, stated that today’s enlistment ceremony reflects recent successes in recruiting new warfighters. He also noted that outreach efforts are crucial for connecting military service with local communities.
Officials have not confirmed specific recruitment goals for the upcoming year, but there is a clear focus on enhancing community engagement through various initiatives.
As the U.S. Army Reserve continues to evolve, it seeks to provide support not only to military operations but also to civilian career growth for Soldiers and their families.
