Military Parade Will Celebrate The 250th Anniversary Of The Army
This year, June 14 is several things: it’s Flag Day, and it’s also President Donald Trump’s birthday, which will see the commander-in-chief turn 79.
It also marks the 250th anniversary of the nation’s oldest military branch, the U.S. Army, and Trump sees that as a reason to celebrate.
“I am thrilled to invite everyone to an unforgettable celebration, one like you’ve never seen before,” Trump said in a video statement, which was shared by the White House to Instagram. “On June 14, which is Flag Day, we’re honoring the 250th anniversary of the greatest fighting force in history, the United States Army.”
About The Parade
Coming one year prior to the nation’s 250th birthday, marked by the July 4, 1776, signing of the Declaration of Independence, this parade comes about in the year which marks the 250th anniversary of “the shot heard around the world.”
The Battles of Lexington and Concord were fought on April 19, 1775, and saw the American colonial militia take on British forces, tasked with suppressing rebellion, for the first time.
On June 14, 1775, the Second Continental Army voted to create the Continental Army, which would go on to become the U.S. Army.
“For two and a half centuries, the men and women of America’s Army have dominated our enemies and protected our freedom at home,” Trump explained. “This parade salutes our soldiers’ remarkable strength and unbeatable spirit.”
He added, “You won’t want to miss it.”
Continuing, Trump said:
“Thundering tanks and breathtaking flyovers will roar through our capital city as nearly 7,000 soldiers march in historic uniforms from every major war since the Revolution.”
Describing it as a “once-in-a-lifetime celebration,” Trump said he believes it will be “bigger than any parade” ever held in the nation.
Notably, the last time there was a military parade in America was June 8, 1991, when the nation celebrated the end of the Gulf War, following Operation Desert Storm. That parade was followed by a ticker tape parade in New York City, on June 10, 1991.
It is estimated that this parade will cost up to $40 million to put on.
Attending The Parade
The parade will take place at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 14, in Washington, D.C., going along Constitution Ave NW between 15th Street and 23rd Street.
