The foundational strength of the Department of Defense is the men and women who volunteer to serve our country and protect our freedoms. Watch the video and then dive into the site to learn more.
As the American Revolution begins, the Second Continental Congress establishes the Army, Navy and Marine Corps.
Gen. George Washington establishes the Badge of Military Merit, America’s first formal medal for rewarding individual acts of gallantry.
On August 24, as the War of 1812 against the British continues, the War Department building is burned. All books and records are saved, having been removed earlier in the week.
Congress authorizes the establishment of the Medal of Honor. The first recipient is Private Jacob Parrott. Since its establishment, more than 3,500 medals have been presented.
Congress authorizes construction of the Pentagon, and ground is broken September 11. The land belonged to Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee before it was confiscated during the Civil War.
While the Pentagon’s construction is not complete, the first employees begin working inside the building.
The single biggest military reorganization of the era replaces the War Department with the National Military Establishment and splits the Air Force from the Army to create a separate service.
In October, more than 25,000 anti-Vietnam War demonstrators march from the Lincoln Memorial to the Pentagon to protest American involvement in the war.
Pentagon renovations begin, one wedge at a time. Building systems are modernized, and a new LEED-certified Metro entrance, delivery facility and fitness center are created.
In the September 11 terrorist attack on the Pentagon, 59 people aboard American Airlines Flight 77 and 125 people inside the building perish.
The Defense Department honors those killed in the 9/11 attack with the opening of the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial.
Pentagon renovations are complete. One of the world’s largest office buildings, the Pentagon has three times the floor space of the Empire State Building. To find out more and book a tour click here.