On June 14, the U.S. Army will mark its 250th anniversary. It will be followed by the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Marine Corps and the U.S. Navy this fall. America celebrates its 250th anniversary in 2026, but we would not be celebrating America’s Semiquincentennial if the Army, the Marines and the Navy had not made it possible!
For decades, SDI has supported and worked with many U.S. military and veteran organizations, including the Army Historical Foundation, the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation (MCHF), and the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, to share their inspiring stories and ensure our veterans receive the care they need and deserve.
The services’ trio of anniversaries and America’s 250th celebration in 2026, will be followed by the 200th anniversary of railroading in 2027, led by our client, the B&O Railroad Museum in Baltimore.
Creating memorable anniversary celebrations is one our unique areas of expertise. We are so privileged to help clients honor their past while preparing for an exciting future.
1) All Things Irish
The Irish have a genius for turning a 10th century religious holiday into a global celebration of all things Irish. Many on the island of Ireland came to Washington, D.C. for St. Patrick’s week with a host of events celebrating and enhancing Irish-American relations. During that week, SDI Chairman Susan Davis was named co-chair of the Ad Hoc Committee to Protect the Good Friday Agreement along with Joe Kennedy III, former United States Special Envoy for Northern Ireland.
SDI hosted Northern Ireland’s Deputy First Minister, Emma Little-Pengelly, at the committee’s first meeting under Davis’ leadership, and meetings with Jon Boutcher, Chief Constable, Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and Northern Ireland’s new Secretary of State Hilary Benn. Davis also cochaired the American Ireland Fund National Gala, an always festive occasion honoring the Irish Prime Minister (Taoiseach) Michael Martin.
2) Marine 250 Kicks Off!
A yearlong commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Marine Corps had to include a visit by Chesty, the Marine Corps’ strongwilled and tough bulldog mascot, to the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show! SDI worked with show organizers to feature Chesty and Marine Corps Heritage Foundation CEO and retired Major General James W. Lukeman (USMC) in the show in Madison Square Garden, much to delight of the fans.
MajGen Lukeman also showed off his pitching arm at several Spring Training games this spring, which he discussed on MLB Network’s Hot Stove.
3) Asking Robots for Corrections
The rise of AI-generated news sites has officially arrived, but not without issues. While reporter robots can provide a boost to your external communications efforts, there are pitfalls. One such example is the painful process of getting an AI-generated article corrected, as SDI VP Sean O’Leary recounted in his latest piece for PR News.
4) Take the Fork in the Road
Before SDI became a powerhouse, our Chairman Susan Davis was navigating Washington with dreams of law school. But life had a different plan. What started as a pursuit in law transformed into an unshakable passion for strategic communications. Susan joined Her Success Story, hosted by Ivy Slater, to discuss the importance of taking risks and the value of mentorship. Listen here.
5) Visit Our New Website!
The old adage says that your website is the front door to your business. In 2024, SDI changed our actual front door as we moved office locations. In 2025, it only seemed fitting that we changed our virtual front door too.