17-year-old student from Arlington High School takes part in Army Birthday ceremony on June 13 at NY National Guard headquarters
Pvt. John Steven Palacios, represented the future of the Army in a traditional birthday cake cutting ceremony
Latham, New York (06/13/2025) — A 17-year-old National Guard recruit who attends Arlington High School played a key role in the New York National Guard's celebration of the Army's 250th birthday on June 13 in Latham New York.
Army National Guard Pvt. John Steven Palacios, who enlisted in the New York Army National Guard in April, took part in the traditional cake-cutting ceremony at the event.
Traditionally the oldest Soldier present at a birthday event joins the youngest Soldier present in cutting the Army birthday cake. Palacios was the youngest Soldiers in the Friday ceremony.
Chief Warrant Officer 5 William Solmo, age 59, represented the customs and traditions of the Army, while Palacios represented the Army's future.
Palacios said it was an honor to represent the future of the United States Army.
"It makes me look forward to my future," he said.
While the Army's Birthday was being celebrated at the Latham headquarters, 436 Soldiers from the New York Army Guard's 42nd infantry Division were in Washington, D.C. preparing to march in the Army 250 Parade on June 14.
The Army National Guard is a reserve component of the Army, which consists of almost one million Soldiers in the Active Army, the Army National Guard and the Army Reserve.
On June 14, 1775, the Second Continental Congress took the first steps toward creating a national Army.
The Congress agreed to "adopt" an army of New England colonial militias which was besieging the British Army in Boston after the battles of Lexington and Concord.
Congress also voted to enlist ten companies of riflemen into the new Continental Army, who would reenforce the militia units around Boston.
The next day, June 15, the Congress voted to appoint George Washington, who had served in the French and Indian War, as the commander-in-chief of the new Army.
Palacios said he enlisted in the Army National Guard, because he wanted to serve, while also following his goal of becoming a police officer. The Army's educational benefits will help him meet his goal, Palacios added.
Palacios lives in LaGrange. He and his mother immigrated to the United States from Ecuador when he was ten years old, and the New York Army National Guard is assisting him in his naturalization process to become a U.S. citizen.
He has not yet attended training, but is a member of Detachment 1 of the 1501 Quartermaster Company, which is a field feeding unit and is based at the Glenmore Road Armory in Troy.
Media Attachments
New York Army National Guard Brig. Gen. Isabel Smith watches as Chief Warrant Officer 5 William Solmo (center) joined by Pvt. John Palacios in cutting the Army birthday cake during a June 13, 2025 Army Birthday ceremony held at New York National Guard headquarters in Latham, New York to mark the Army's 250th birthday. Palacios, who is 17, represented the future of the Army, while Solmo, who is 59, represented the history and traditions of the service. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Stephanie Butler)
New York National Guard
Lt. Col. Jean Kratzer, 518-786-4581Share this Story
Recent News
- NY Army Guard Staff Sgt. Derek Tucker, a Corning resident, wins NY Army National Guard Best Warrior Competition
- New York Army National Guard conducting joint training with New York Air Guard on Friday, April 10 at Youngstown Local Training Area
- NY Army National Guard Specialist Trevor Lock, a Lockport resident, wins statewide Best Warrior Competition
- NY Army Guard Col. John Sandefur, a Gansefoort resident, receives Legion of Merit as he retires after 36 years of service
- Two Airman assigned to NY Air Guard's 105th Airlift Wing brave cold during Minnesota training course
- Clifton Park Airman is named New York Air National Guard Company Grade Officer of the Year
- NY Air Guard's 109th Airlift Wing moves 1,086 passengers and millions of pounds of supplies across Antarctica during 2025-26 mission season
- NY National Guard's "Fighting 69th" Infantry leads New York's St. Patrick's Day Parade for the 175th Time
- NY Air Guard Senior Master Sgt. John McGhee, a Bay Shore resident, wins New York Air Guard statewide honor
- NY Air National Guard Col. Andrew J. Wineberger, a Southold resident, Retires from 106th Rescue Wing After 39 Years of Service