What to know about Trump's military parade: What is it celebrating, date, time, route
It's going to be an anniversary or birthday parade the likes of which the United States hasn't seen in a long time.
The U.S. Army is marking its 250th anniversary with a pomp-filled procession through the streets of the nation’s capital, showcasing military might. The date also coincides with President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday.
The parade, which will feature Army equipment, flyovers, musical performances and thousands of soldiers in uniforms from the past and the present, caps off a week of programming designed to celebrate the country’s military might.
When is the Army's 250th anniversary parade?
The parade is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on June 14. The date marks the anniversary of the U.S. Army as well as Trump's birthday.
Where is the Army's 250th anniversary parade?
The parade will take place along Constitution Avenue NW, starting on Constitution Avenue NW and 23rd Street and ending on 15th Street alongside the National Mall, near the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
What events are part of the Army's 250th anniversary?
Several events are occurring with the 250th birthday of the Army on June 14 in the Washington, D.C., area:
- 8:15 a.m.: Army Birthday Wreath Laying at Arlington National Cemetery
- 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: Army fitness competition and awards
- 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.: Army Birthday Festival, which allows the public to interact with soldiers, watch demonstrations, explore equipment on static displays and listen to live music. The festival is between 14th Street SW and the 12th Street Expressway on the lawn between Madison Drive NW and Jefferson Drive SW.
- 6:30 to 7:45 p.m.: Army 250th Birthday Parade
- 8 to 10 p.m.: Fireworks display on the National Mall.
There will be several musical acts throughout the June 14 celebration, including country singer Scotty Hasting, a former Army infantryman who was wounded in Afghanistan, country singer Noah Hicks of Nashville and DJ Nyla Symone.
What is being celebrated at the parade, the U.S. Army or President Trump?
Event organizers and administration officials say it is solely to celebrate the U.S. Army. The administration has insisted that the Army’s anniversary and Trump’s birthday are a coincidence and that the parade is justified to honor soldiers’ sacrifice.
According to America 250, the parade will showcase the Army’s modern capabilities, trace the Army’s evolution from the Revolutionary War through to the U.S. Army of Tomorrow and include military vehicles, flyovers and military band.
Are other service branches holding 250th anniversary parades?
As of right now, neither the Navy, which celebrates its 250th anniversary in October, nor the Marines, which celebrate their 250th anniversary in November, has plans for a similar parade.
How to get tickets to attend in person
Tickets for the parade are limited, but those interested in attending the parade can RSVP here. Prospective attendees will be asked to provide their full name, phone number, email, state and ZIP code.
How to watch the Army's 250th anniversary parade
The parade will be livestreamed on all U.S. Army social media platforms.