This Saturday, Washington, DC is set to witness a grand celebration as hundreds of thousands of revelers take to the streets to mark the 250th anniversary of the US Army.
The event, which boasts a multi-million dollar budget, will feature a captivating parade showcasing approximately 6,600 soldiers, alongside hundreds of military vehicles and aircraft.
President Donald Trump expressed enthusiasm for the occasion, emphasizing it as a significant display of America’s military strength.
“We’re going to have a great time; we are going to have a great celebration,” Trump noted, although Army officials have indicated that there will be no official acknowledgment of his birthday during the festivities.
The substantial planning for this celebration has been underway for nearly two years.
While the parade of military vehicles is a new addition this year, the anniversary commemoration originally aligns with the establishment of the Continental Army on June 14, 1775.
The Second Continental Congress established the army following early battles against the British, appointing George Washington as commander-in-chief the very next day.
Army Secretary Dan Driscoll highlighted the parade’s significance, stating that it offers an “amazing opportunity” to recount the Army’s historical narrative.
Driscoll believes that sharing this story can result in a surge in recruitment, enhancing the Army’s pipeline for future years.
The festivities will commence at 9:30 a.m. at the National Mall and continue until 6 p.m.
The parade is slated to begin at 6:30 p.m., traveling along Constitution Avenue from 23rd Street NW to 15th Street NW, and is expected to conclude around 7:30 p.m.
Fox News plans to provide special coverage from 6-10 p.m. ET, and viewers without cable can sign up for a free five-day trial of DIRECTV to watch the event.
Following the parade, a spectacular fireworks display is scheduled around 9:45 p.m.
Notably, this parade is the first of its kind since the conclusion of the Gulf War in 1991, an event that drew a crowd of around 200,000 spectators to witness approximately 8,000 service members march during the National Victory parade.
In preparation for the event, Army officials are taking special measures to protect DC’s roadways against potential damage from heavy military equipment, with some tanks, like the M1A1 Abrams, weighing over 60 tons.
To facilitate this, one-inch-thick steel plates have been placed along key points on the parade route where heavier vehicles will turn.
The Army has committed to paying for any repairs needed for any streets that sustain damage during the parade, which may add around $16 million to the event’s overall cost.
Col. Jesse Curry, who oversees the Office of the Chief of Engineers, assured that the vehicles will be outfitted with rubber track pads and will be traveling at reduced speeds to minimize impact on the roads.
The parade will also serve as a living history exhibit, honoring the Army’s legacy across various eras, from the Revolutionary War to modern times.
Participants will don era-specific uniforms and equipment, with a central tribute to the American Revolution featuring horse-mounted Dragoon troops in period attire.
Following this, the Civil War section will include twelve Texas steeds leading the way and a wagon pulled by mules, representing the Western Expansion that marked the aftermath of the conflict.
World War I and II will be represented with an authentic Renault Tank, a notable vehicle used by Allied forces, alongside a vintage 1918 Dodge Touring Car.
The World War II segment will be the most extensive, showcasing numerous American trucks and jeeps employed during the war and provided to allies, such as the Chevrolet G7117 and Ford GPW.
This portion of the parade will also feature aerial demonstrations, beginning with formations including the B-25 Mitchell bomber, C-47 Skytrain transport, and P-51 Mustang fighter plane flying over the nation’s capital.
Additionally, the Cold War will be represented with aircraft such as the OH-6 Cayuse, AH-1 Cobra, and UH-1 Iroquois helicopters.
The next segment will highlight the iconic M2 Bradley fighting vehicle, utilized in the Gulf War during the early 1990s.
Alongside the Bradley, troops will exhibit powerful artillery like the Paladin and M1A1 Abrams tanks, as well as the M119 Howitzer.
Finally, the parade will conclude with a showcase of vehicles used in the War on Terror and some of America’s newest military equipment, including the M777 Howitzer, which was prominently featured in Afghanistan.
Overall, the celebration promises to be a historical commemoration that reflects on the Army’s enduring role in American history.
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