President Trump is set to participate in a military parade on Saturday evening, commemorating the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary while coinciding with his 79th birthday celebrations.
The Grand Military Parade and Celebration, as described by Army officials, will showcase thousands of soldiers, numerous tanks, and various aircraft. Attendance is expected to reach thousands, potentially even hundreds of thousands.
“We’re going to have a great time; we are going to have a great celebration,” the president remarked earlier this week, generating anticipation for the day’s events.
While the parade begins at 6:30 p.m. ET, festivities are scheduled to take place throughout the day. Preparations have been robust in Washington, with tanks arriving and fencing erected around key areas, including the White House and the National Mall.
The purpose of the military parade is to honor the Army’s founding, which dates back to June 14, 1775, when it was established by the Second Continental Congress just over a year prior to the Declaration of Independence. Initially named the Continental Army, George Washington served as its first commander.
In a broader context, the president declared Saturday a day of national celebration, aimed at highlighting America’s achievements both in warfare and beyond. Trump specifically noted the country’s victories in World War I and World War II. “I think it’s time for us to celebrate a little bit, you know,” he stated on Wednesday. “We’ve had a lot of victories. We’ve won two world wars … I think it’s a time to celebrate our military.”
According to Army officials, the parade will feature:
– Approximately 6,600 soldiers
– Six M1A1 Abrams tanks
– Two Sherman tanks from World War II
– Eight CH-47 helicopters
– Sixteen UH-60 Black Hawks
– Four P-51 aircraft from the WWII era
However, the day is also expected to see protests against both the parade and the president. Activists and labor unions plan to organize “No Kings” rallies across the nation to oppose what they perceive as Trump’s overreach as chief executive. Notably, there will be no planned demonstrations in D.C.
“Instead of allowing this birthday parade to be the center of gravity, we will make action everywhere else the story of America that day: people coming together in communities across the country to reject strongman politics and corruption,” protesters stated on their website.
Political criticism around the military parade has emerged, focusing on its estimated cost of between $25 million and $45 million despite ongoing government efforts to eliminate waste. Democratic Senator Tammy Duckworth, a veteran, remarked on social media that Trump is “throwing himself a $30 million birthday parade just to stroke his own ego.”
Concerns about the perception of military parades resonate across party lines. Republican Senator Rand Paul expressed discomfort, stating, “Never been a big fan of goose-stepping soldiers and big tanks and missiles rolling down the street.” He argued, “We were proud not to be that. And I don’t — I’m not proposing that that’s the image people want to project…”
Democrats have also responded to Trump’s warning against potential protest participation. “If there’s any protesters that want to come out, they’re going to be met with very big force,” he told reporters.
Senator Chris Coons of Delaware called Trump’s comments an “authoritarian tactic,” while White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt assured that the president “absolutely supports peaceful protests” and the First Amendment rights of Americans.
The day’s schedule includes:
– 8:15 a.m. – Wreath laying at Arlington National Cemetery
– 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. – Fitness competition and awards ceremony on the National Mall
– 11 a.m.-6 p.m. – Army Birthday Festival on the National Mall
– 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m. – U.S. Army 250th Birthday Parade
– 9:45 p.m. – Fireworks on the National Mall
The parade will commence along Constitution Avenue in Washington, D.C., starting at 23rd Street NW, near the Lincoln Memorial, and will pass key landmarks before concluding at 15th Street NW. With street closures anticipated, attendees are encouraged to utilize public transit.
For those unable to attend in person, the 250th Anniversary of the Army Grand Military Parade will be streamed live on CBS News 24/7.