The United States is set to host a military parade on June 14 to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the US Army. The event coincides with President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday, and White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly confirmed via social media that Trump will be present to honor American veterans, active-duty servicemembers, and military history.
In addition to the parade, the celebration will feature fireworks and a festival on the National Mall. According to US Army spokeswoman Heather Hagan, the Army is considering options to enhance the significance of the event, including more capability demonstrations and community engagement initiatives. Hagan anticipated that the parade will showcase approximately 150 vehicles, 50 aircraft, and around 6,600 soldiers.
This announcement comes after Trump expressed interest in hosting a military parade during his first term, inspired by a Bastille Day parade he attended in France. However, previous plans faced obstacles, including potential costs exceeding $92 million and concerns from the Pentagon about heavy military vehicles damaging city streets. Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser echoed these concerns, highlighting the impracticalities of having military tanks on the streets without the necessary financial provisions for road repairs.
The last significant military parade in the capital took place in 1991 to mark the end of the Gulf War. The announcement of the upcoming parade followed Trump’s declaration on May 8, proclaiming it as “Victory Day” for World War II and proposing to rename Veterans Day, observed on November 11, to “Victory Day” for World War I. In his remarks on a social media platform, Trump characterized the US victory in both wars, asserting that American strength and valor were unmatched, while expressing frustration over what he perceives as a lack of celebration and leadership.
Trump’s relationship with the military has been complex; he has praised its might while simultaneously suggesting that the armed forces require significant rebuilding. His tenure has been marked by tensions with military leaders, including controversial remarks about fallen troops and the dismissal of top officers, stirring controversy regarding the potential politicization of the military. Democratic lawmakers have expressed concern over this trend, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the military’s traditional neutrality in political affairs.
As plans for the parade progress, the nation will be observing how this event will unfold and how it reflects the ongoing dynamics between the government and the military.
