Thousands of troops are set to march through Washington, D.C. on Saturday, with tanks, helicopters, and fireworks marking the celebration of the U.S. Army’s 250th birthday. However, the event has stirred controversy and polarization due to its alignment with President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday and his vested involvement in the spectacle. Trump’s admiration for foreign military parades, particularly France’s Bastille Day display, has culminated in this grand event, expected to be the largest in Washington since the 1991 Gulf War celebration.
Costing between $25 million to $45 million, the parade will feature over 6,600 soldiers, 150 military vehicles, and 50 aircraft. The aim is to showcase the Army’s modern capabilities and inspire patriotism. Despite bipartisan criticism and concerns over the event’s optics, Trump remains undeterred, emphasizing the importance of celebrating American strength and readiness.
The day’s schedule includes a wreath-laying ceremony, a fitness competition, and a military festival on the National Mall, culminating in the parade along Constitution Avenue with historic and modern military elements. The event is expected to draw around 200,000 attendees, including Trump’s allies and members of Congress. While protests are planned across the country under the “No Kings” movement, counter-demonstrations may also take place in D.C. Trump has issued warnings against protests, emphasizing a strong response to any dissent during the parade.
