A significant military parade is set to take place on Saturday to celebrate the U.S. Army’s 250th birthday, marking a moment President Donald Trump has aimed to organize for years.
The event will showcase thousands of soldiers alongside a display of massive military vehicles and aircraft on the National Mall, with an estimated cost ranging from $25 million to $45 million.
President Trump has expressed admiration for France’s Bastille Day parade in the past, suggesting that the U.S. should strive to create an even more impressive event.
In his own words on Truth Social, Trump stated, “For two and a half centuries, our brave soldiers have fought, bled, and died to keep us FREE, and now we will honor them with a wonderful Parade, one that is worthy of their service and sacrifice.”
Army spokesperson Heather Hagan described the upcoming parade as a “once-in-a-lifetime” celebration, inviting the public to participate in what she called a free festival and opportunity to meet the Army.
Such grand military parades are rare in the United States, with the last major event held in 1991 to commemorate the victory in the Gulf War.
In the lead-up to the parade, President Trump has faced criticism, particularly from Democrats who argue that the event serves to elevate his image.
The day coincides with Trump’s 79th birthday, which some critics view as a self-serving aspect of the celebration.
Veteran opinions on the event are mixed; while some see it as an important acknowledgment of military history, others question the cost, especially in light of budget cuts to the Department of Veterans Affairs and ongoing issues surrounding transgender service members.
A recent poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research indicated that around 60% of U.S. adults are against the parade as a proper use of government funds.
Historian Richard Kohn expressed concern over the increasing personalization of national events by Trump, defining it as an effort to merge his political presence with the military’s significance over time.
Conversely, political science professor Peter Feaver acknowledged the parade as a legitimate cause for celebration, highlighting the role of the Army in safeguarding freedoms for 250 years.
The parade is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Saturday, starting at 23rd Street NW near the Lincoln Memorial and progressing eastward for approximately 1 mile along Constitution Avenue, concluding near the White House.
Attendance is expected to include key figures such as President Trump and Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll, though specific attendee lists have not been released.
The Army aims to send a strong message about its history and future, with around 6,700 soldiers from various eras set to participate in the event, donning both historic and contemporary uniforms.
Historic vehicles such as a Ford GPW 1/4 Ton Jeep and a Sherman tank are expected to be present, along with a flyover of aircraft from different military periods, including WWII.
The Army’s Golden Knights parachute team is also set to make an appearance, landing on the Ellipse in front of the White House.
In addition, future soldiers from military academies and ROTC programs will join the parade, bridging the past and future of service.
The Defense Department anticipates the involvement of approximately 150 vehicles and 50 aircraft, showcasing military power and resources for the gathered spectators.
The entirety of the celebration is classified as a National Security Special Event, reflecting its high-security status akin to the Super Bowl or major political inaugurations.
Security preparations are extensive, with the Secret Service preparing for what they predict will be a large turnout of hundreds of thousands of attendees.
Officials are monitoring the weather closely, as rain and potential thunderstorms are forecasted for the day of the event.
The Army Corps of Engineers is implementing measures to prevent damage to roads during the parade, laying down metal plates and soft asphalt in strategic locations.
After the parade concludes, efforts will be made to restore the areas used back to their original conditions for commuters and visitors.
Agreement between security agencies indicates readiness to manage any protests that may arise during the festivities.
While protests are planned in other cities under the theme “No Kings,” organizers have decided not to stage any demonstration in Washington, D.C.
Instead, these efforts will focus on local actions to challenge the current administration.
President Trump remarked that any individuals wishing to protest will face a strong security presence, emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy toward unrest.
Historically, the last large military parade in the capital took place on June 8, 1991, following the Gulf War, drawing a massive crowd for a military showcase.
Unlike the Gulf War parade, which commemorated a clear victory, many see the upcoming event as politically tinged, intertwined with the president’s birthday.
As the day draws near, both support and opposition to the parade pledges to add layers of complexity to an already captivating event.
image source from：https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/9-questions-about-trumps-military-parade
