A grand military parade is set to take over the streets of Washington, DC on June 14, commemorating the 250th anniversary of the US Army’s founding in 1775. Coincidentally, the day also marks Donald Trump’s 79th birthday, and the president is scheduled to deliver remarks at the event. Calling it a “great celebration” during a Memorial Day address, Trump is expected to honour what he described as the Army’s “exceptional service, significant achievements, and enduring legacy.”Organised by the US Army and America250 commission, the event is expected to draw around 200,000 attendees, according to officials. The day will feature military pageantry, vehicle displays, fireworks, an airshow, and heightened security throughout the city.
What will attendees witness?
- Military uniforms from history: Thousands of troops will march in formation, with 60 soldiers for each US conflict dressed in historical uniforms, followed by 400 troops from the same unit in modern-day battle dress.
- Armoured vehicle spectacle: Over 100 military vehicles, including M1 Abrams tanks, Bradley fighting vehicles, Black Hawk, Apache and Chinook helicopters, and self-propelled howitzers, will roll through the streets.
- Golden Knights parachute jump: The US Army’s elite parachute team will perform.
- Evening concert and fireworks: The celebration will conclude with music and pyrotechnics on the National Mall.
Where is the parade taking place?
- The main parade route will run along Constitution Avenue, from 23rd Street NW to 15th Street NW, on the north side of the National Mall.
- There will be no bleachers, and attendees should prepare for standing room only.
- Key landmarks along the route include the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
Full schedule of events on June 14
- 8:00 am – Guest entry begins for fitness competition and festival
- 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Army Fitness Competition & Awards - 11:00 am – 6:00 pm Army Birthday Festival (open to public)
- 2:00 pm – Guest entry begins for parade
- 6:30 pm – Army 250th Birthday Parade
- 7:30/8:00 pm – 9:30/10:00 pm Concert and Fireworks on the Mall
Security and restricted access
- The event has been classified as a National Special Security Event (NSSE) by the Department of Homeland Security.
- The Secret Service, in coordination with local and federal agencies, has set up three public entry points:
- Near White House Ellipse (Constitution Ave. side)
- 14th Street NW, between Constitution and Independence Avenues
- 9th Street NW, between Constitution and Independence Avenues
- Prohibited items include: large bags, drones, bicycles, folding chairs, balloons, and weapons.
“Our number one goal is to ensure the safety and security of our protectees and the public with an extensive security plan,” said Secret Service Special Agent Matt McCool.
Flight and transport disruptions
- Reagan National Airport (DCA) will halt arrivals and departures from 6:30 pm to 9 pm , affecting over 100 flights, according to FAA estimates.
- Road closures and parking restrictions will be in effect from the days leading up to the event through Monday, June 16.
- Smithsonian Metro station’s northwest entrance will be closed.
- Potomac River access will be restricted from Hains Point to Key Bridge, per the Coast Guard.
Will tanks damage DC streets?
- Due to concerns about 60-ton M1 Abrams tanks, the Army Corps of Engineers is installing steel plates along key points of the parade route.
- The plates are designed to protect roads at turns, where tank tracks can cause the most damage.
- DC Mayor Muriel Bowser remains cautious, stating: “If they are rendered unusable, we have to make them usable and then go seek our money from the feds.”
What’s the cost?
The total estimated cost of the parade is between $25 million and $45 million. This includes up to $16 million in potential repairs to DC roads. Trump defended the expense, saying: “It was peanuts compared to the value of doing it… We have the greatest missiles and army tanks in the world, and we’re going to celebrate.”