The upcoming U.S. Army parade to mark its 250th anniversary and coincide with President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday is garnering attention for its grandeur and timing. While military parades are not uncommon, Trump’s approach to this event during peacetime sets him apart from his predecessors. The parade, originally planned for the Army’s semi-quincentennial, has been elevated to a full-scale celebration on Trump’s birthday, emphasizing U.S. power and honoring service members’ sacrifices.

Historically, ceremonial military reviews date back to ancient empires and continued in the U.S. with early presidents incorporating them into Fourth of July celebrations. President Andrew Johnson revived the tradition in 1865 with the “Grand Review of the Armies” following the Civil War. Victory parades post-Spanish-American War and World War I showcased national pride and military strength, with New York City hosting notable celebrations.

However, major national parades were absent after the Korean and Vietnam Wars due to the lack of clear victories and societal divisions. Washington eventually hosted a victory parade in 1991 after the Persian Gulf War, led by George H.W. Bush, the last president with active-duty military experience. Despite subsequent conflicts, veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan wars have not been honored with national parades.

Inaugural parades traditionally feature military elements, with past presidents like Eisenhower and Kennedy incorporating significant military displays. Notably, U.S. presidents typically wear civilian attire at military events to uphold the tradition set by George Washington, emphasizing civilian control of the military. The exception was President George W. Bush in 2003, wearing a flight suit during a high-profile declaration aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, which later became a controversial symbol as the conflict in Iraq continued.