The U.S. Army is gearing up for its 250th anniversary celebration in Washington, D.C., coinciding with President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday on June 14th. Despite the Army’s decision not to officially recognize Trump’s birthday, the president will play a significant role in the festivities, which have been modified to include a parade.
The celebrations will span the first week of June, with events taking place in and around Washington, D.C. On June 14th, a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery will kick off the day, followed by a fitness competition and an Army birthday festival on the National Mall. The festival will feature equipment displays and military demonstrations, culminating in a parade through the city and an enlistment and re-enlistment ceremony overseen by Trump. The day will end with a fireworks display and a parachute performance by the U.S. Army Golden Knights team presenting Trump with a flag.
The U.S. Army is bringing 6,500 troops, 150 vehicles, and 50 aircraft to Washington for the celebration. The parade will feature M1 Abrams tanks, Stryker armored vehicles, Paladin self-propelled artillery vehicles, and various artillery pieces. The flyover will include Apache and Black Hawk helicopters, Chinooks, as well as older aircraft like the B-25 bomber and P-51 Mustang. Additionally, the parade will include 34 horses, two mules, and a dog.
The festivities come at a cost of between $25 million and $45 million, covering the parade, equipment transportation, and troop accommodations. The Army is taking precautions to protect the capital’s streets from potential damage caused by heavy tanks and has agreed to cover any necessary repairs.
The decision to include a parade in the celebration has sparked controversy, with Democratic lawmakers accusing Trump of hijacking the Army’s birthday for personal glorification. However, planning for the 250th anniversary celebration began before Trump’s election victory last year.
Military parades are rare in the United States, with critics viewing them as authoritarian displays of power. However, the White House has defended the parade as a tribute to the service and sacrifice of the men and women in uniform. Trump has expressed a longstanding desire for military parades, previously ordering a display of tanks during a July Fourth celebration in 2019.
In summary, the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary celebration in Washington promises to be a grand event, with a mix of traditional military displays, modern equipment, and historical significance. Despite the controversy surrounding the parade, the festivities aim to honor the Army’s long history and the brave individuals who have served in its ranks.
