Detailed plans for a significant military parade on June 14 are making headlines, coinciding with both Donald Trump’s birthday and the 250th anniversary of the United States Army.
Sources from the Associated Press have revealed that the planned event could feature over 6,600 soldiers, more than 150 military vehicles, 50 helicopters, seven bands, and potentially thousands of civilians.
Fox News has confirmed that the parade is planned to take place on June 14, which marks not only Trump’s 79th birthday but also a historic milestone for the army.
Vince Haley, the director of the White House Domestic Policy Council, expressed pride in the event, stating that it will honor the generations of Americans who have selflessly served to protect freedom.
Drafted planning documents dated April 29 and 30 indicate preparations for an anniversary festival on the National Mall. However, the inclusion of a large military parade, something Trump has long desired, remains under discussion.
While the documents do not contain any estimates of the parade’s costs, it is anticipated that the event would entail millions of dollars in expenses.
These expenses would involve transporting troops, military equipment, and aircraft from various locations across the U.S., as well as expenses related to housing and feeding thousands of service members in Washington.
Trump’s previous attempts to organize a parade during his first term were curtailed due to exorbitant costs and logistical challenges, particularly concerns over potential damage to the city’s roads from heavy military vehicles.
Steve Warren, an army spokesperson, stated that no final decisions regarding the parade have been made as of yet.
Col. Dave Butler, another army spokesman, reiterated the army’s excitement about the anniversary plans.
Butler emphasized the desire for the event to be a nationwide celebration, allowing Americans to connect with their army and soldiers.
The planning documents, shared by anonymous sources, suggest that the military is preparing for possible White House approval for the parade, though no formal approval has been issued so far.
Changes to the parade plans have already occurred, and more adjustments are expected in the upcoming weeks.
In a recent post on Truth Social, Trump indirectly alluded to the celebratory plans without mentioning the specifics of the June 14 event.
Additionally, he suggested a renaming of significant historical observances, proposing to change Victory in Europe Day on May 8 to “Victory Day for World War II” and Veterans Day on November 11 to “Victory Day for World War I.”
While the grand parade is a new addition, the army’s birthday celebration had already been in planning for over a year, involving various activities and displays on the National Mall.
These festivities could feature fitness competitions, climbing walls, armored vehicles, and other military equipment.
The planned parade would incorporate approximately 6,300 soldiers marching, with others engaged in support roles and various logistical tasks.
The parade intends to showcase the army’s rich 250-year history of service, with participation from at least 11 corps and divisions nationwide.
Proposed military units include a Stryker battalion equipped with several Stryker vehicles, a tank battalion, and an infantry battalion featuring Bradley vehicles along with howitzers and artillery.
The festivities will also highlight performances by seven army bands and a parachute jump by the Golden Knights, further enhancing the excitement of the event.
Additionally, civilian participation is anticipated, incorporating historical vehicles and aircraft, along with representatives from veterans’ groups and military re-enactor organizations.
Trump’s initial inspiration for organizing a parade stemmed from witnessing a grand military procession during Bastille Day in France in 2017.
His aspiration was to create an even more impressive display along Pennsylvania Avenue, mirroring the spectacle he observed in Paris.
However, due to budgetary restrictions, logistical complications, and city officials’ concerns about infrastructure damage from heavy vehicles, Trump’s plans for a military parade were ultimately shelved during his presidency.
As the date approaches, the discussions surrounding the parade continue, representing both a celebration of America’s military heritage and a personal milestone for Trump.
image source from：https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/02/trump-birthday-army-parade
