The U.S. Army is planning a large-scale military parade to celebrate President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday in June, with an estimated 6,600 soldiers participating.
The parade, part of the Army’s 250th birthday celebration on June 14, would also involve at least 150 military vehicles, 50 helicopters, and potentially thousands of civilians.
The detailed plans, obtained by The Associated Press, include a massive celebration on the National Mall, combining a variety of activities to showcase the Army’s history and equipment.
Although the Army has not made any final decisions, the event would likely cost tens of millions of dollars. The costs would cover the transportation of military vehicles, aircraft, troops, and the lodging and meals for thousands of service members.
This parade is a long-awaited dream of Trump’s. In his first term, Trump proposed organizing a similar parade after watching France’s Bastille Day celebration in 2017. However, the idea was shelved due to high costs and concerns about potential damage to roads caused by heavy military vehicles like tanks.
The new parade plans are still in the early stages, with various adjustments made recently. No formal approval has been given yet, and the White House has not yet commented on the plans. However, the Army’s enthusiastic preparation shows that officials are keen to make this a nationwide event.
What Will the Parade Involve?
The parade will likely be a monumental event, involving more equipment and troops than initially planned for the Army’s birthday celebration.
The festival was already set to feature various activities on the National Mall, including a fitness competition, armored vehicles, Humvees, helicopters, and more. The addition of a parade would significantly increase the scale of the event.
The plans suggest that up to 6,300 service members will march in the parade, while others will be involved in support roles.
The Army is planning to showcase its 250 years of service by bringing in soldiers from 11 different corps and divisions across the country.
Notable military units could include Stryker battalions, infantry battalions with Bradley vehicles, tanks, and artillery units. Additionally, the event will feature seven Army bands and a parachute jump by the Golden Knights.
Civilians will also take part in the parade, with historical vehicles and aircraft joining the display, along with two bands and members of veterans’ groups and military colleges. Following the parade, there will be a concert and fireworks to close the evening.
Concerns About the Costs and Impact
While the parade is still under discussion, one of the major concerns is the cost, with estimates running into the tens of millions.
The Army has yet to confirm a final budget, but costs will likely cover the transportation of military equipment and personnel, as well as accommodations and meals for thousands of service members.
City officials have raised concerns about the potential damage caused by heavy vehicles, especially tanks, to the city’s infrastructure.
The use of tanks has been a point of contention, as their weight could cause significant damage to the roads. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, while acknowledging discussions with the administration, stated that military tanks rolling through the streets could lead to expensive road repairs.
Trump’s Longstanding Desire for a Parade
Trump has been vocal about his desire for a grand military parade ever since he saw the Bastille Day celebrations in France in 2017. At the time, Trump expressed his wish for an even bigger event on Pennsylvania Avenue.
The initial plans for a parade, however, were canceled due to the high costs and logistical challenges involved, with estimates of $92 million for the event. There were also concerns raised by city officials about the impact on roads and infrastructure.
Trump eventually scrapped the parade in 2018, blaming local politicians for price gouging and excessive costs. This year, however, discussions about a parade were revived when the Army began planning its 250th birthday celebration.
The parade will be part of a larger event that aims to celebrate the Army’s history and bring attention to the contributions of service members.
The National Security Aspect of the Event
The Army’s birthday celebration, including the potential parade, will be classified as a national special security event.
This designation comes with increased security measures, as well as heightened concerns about the logistics of bringing in equipment and troops from across the country. The National Park Service has submitted a request to classify the event in this way, and it is currently under review.
While the plans are still being refined, the Army is optimistic about the event and is eager to show the nation its strength and history.
Col. Dave Butler, an Army spokesman, expressed excitement about the potential for the parade, saying that it would give Americans a chance to celebrate their Army and its 250 years of service.
Conclusion
Though still in the planning stages, the potential Army parade on President Trump’s birthday would be a grand display of military power and history.
With thousands of soldiers, military vehicles, and civilian participants, the event is set to be a significant occasion. However, concerns about cost, security, and infrastructure damage remain key challenges that must be addressed before any final decisions are made.
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