Trump to hold spectacular parade on his birthday with military hardware and fireworks
Photo: Donald Trump, President of the United States (Getty Images)
US President Donald Trump will hold a military parade on June 14 to mark the 250th anniversary of the American Army, which will also be his 79th birthday, according to Bloomberg and CNN.
“To celebrate the US Army’s 250th Birthday on June 14, President Trump will honor American Veterans, active-duty servicemembers, and military history with a military parade!” Anna Kelly, White House deputy press secretary, wrote on X.
A statement from the US Army says the event will feature a "spectacular fireworks display, a parade, and a day-long festival on the National Mall." According to the Pentagon, about 6,600 troops, 150 military vehicles, and 50 aircraft are expected to take part in the parade.
“The festival will feature displays of Army equipment, military demonstrations, musical performances, and a fitness competition,” the statement said. “Given the significant milestone of 250 years, the Army is exploring options to make the celebration even bigger, with more capability demonstrations, additional displays of equipment, and more engagement with the community,” the statement said.
Bloomberg reports that Trump has long looked forward to holding a military parade ever since attending the Bastille Day celebrations in France during his first term. However, Washington city officials had warned that heavy military equipment could damage city streets, and the price tag - tens of millions of dollars - became a political liability.
The last major military parade in Washington took place in 1991 to celebrate the end of the Gulf War.
Victory Day in US
Trump recently stated that the United States did more than any other country to achieve victory in World War II. He also designated new national Victory Days.
He wrote on social media that while many of the United States’ allies and friends celebrated May 8 as Victory Day, he believed the US had done more than any other country to secure victory in World War II, and that he was renaming May 8 as World War II Victory Day and November 11 as World War I Victory Day.
