WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Army has begun final preparations for its largest public celebration in decades: a full-scale military parade and festival on June 14, marking its 250th anniversary—and coinciding with former President Donald Trump’s birthday.
What started as a modest commemorative event has ballooned into a multimillion-dollar spectacle, drawing comparisons to national parades in France and Russia. With a projected cost between $25 million and $45 million, the all-day festival will take over the National Mall and is expected to attract up to 200,000 spectators.
Steel Giants on the Move
This week, 28 M1 Abrams tanks, each weighing over 60 tons, were loaded onto rail cars at Fort Cavazos in Texas. Their destination: Washington, D.C., via Maryland. They’ll be joined by 28 Bradley Fighting Vehicles, 28 Stryker armored vehicles, several M-109 Paladin self-propelled howitzers, and various towed artillery systems.
To protect D.C. infrastructure, the Army is deploying steel plating and upgraded rubber track pads, alongside fresh asphalt reinforcements at critical turns along the parade route. Vehicles will stage near the Lincoln Memorial, then roll toward the White House, forming the core of a 6 p.m. military parade.
6,700 Troops March In
Over 6,700 soldiers are being flown in from across the country. From June 11–15, they’ll be housed in two nearby federal buildings, sleeping on cots and subsisting on MREs (Meals Ready-to-Eat) with a hot dinner and a $69 per diem for extras.
Each major U.S. conflict will be honored in chronological order, with 60 soldiers dressed in period uniforms followed by 400 modern-day soldiers from the same base, representing every chapter in Army history—from the Revolutionary War to present day.
Even space won’t be off-limits: Col. Anne McClain, an Army astronaut aboard the International Space Station, will participate remotely.
Golden Knights & Presidential Role
The celebration’s climax includes the Army Golden Knights parachute team descending near the White House, where they will present a folded flag to Donald Trump, who is expected to officiate the swearing-in of 250 new recruits and reenlisted soldiers.
Trump, who had previously pushed for a large military parade during his first term, will now witness a version of that dream come to life—albeit led by the Army, not the White House.
Air Power in the Skies
A historic flyover will pair aircraft with their corresponding ground units: as WWII soldiers march, a P-51 Mustang and B-25 Mitchell bomber will soar above. Later waves will include Vietnam-era Huey and Cobra helicopters, followed by modern Apache and Chinook aircraft.
To coordinate these flights, the Army has been working with the Federal Aviation Administration, especially mindful of safety after a January collision involving a Black Hawk helicopter and a commercial jet that killed 67.
During the aerial portion, expect temporary airspace closures over Washington, D.C.
The June 14 celebration not only honors the Army’s founding but also serves as a display of U.S. military heritage, readiness, and pride. From the streets to the skies—and even into orbit—it promises to be a once-in-a-generation patriotic display.
