Americans can now register for free tickets to the US Army’s Grand Military Parade in Washington, a massive celebration set for June 14 that marks the Army’s 250th year and, unofficially, US President Donald Trump ’s 79th birthday.
The parade promises to be one of the largest military displays the capital has seen in decades, which will include tanks, helicopters, vintage warplanes and thousands of soldiers.
The grand celebration will take over Constitution Avenue from 6:30 pm ET, reports USA Today.
Although it’s officially a celebration of the Army’s historic anniversary, the timing has turned it into an unofficial birthday party for Trump.
Parade route and what to expect
Events will begin in the morning with a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. Then, from the National Mall to the White House, troops and heavy armour will roll down the streets. The main action happens on Constitution Avenue, where Trump will be seated in a special viewing stand just south of the White House.
A Pentagon official told Axios that Army parachutists will jump from aircraft and land near Trump’s stand, where they will hand him an American flag for his birthday.
Trump, who had earlier called for a major military parade during his first term, is now playing a leading role in this event. According to Reuters, he will preside over an enlistment and reenlistment ceremony for troops at the end of the parade.
What’s in the line-up?
Here’s what attendees can look forward to, according to planning documents and organisers America 250:
Where will troops stay?
Soldiers travelling to Washington from across the country won’t be staying in traditional barracks. Instead, they’ll be housed in repurposed government office buildings like the Department of Agriculture and a warehouse on 7th Street.
They’ll receive two MREs and one hot meal a day, with $50 daily bonus pay. Defence officials said “mayors” will be assigned to organise showers and logistics at each housing site. “Bring your sleeping bags,” one official joked.
How much will it cost?
The event currently carries a $30 million price tag, which could rise to $45 million. While the Army says it will cover any damage from tanks on city streets, officials are “not expecting damage.”
Trump, speaking on NBC’s Meet the Press on May 4, defended the cost: “It’s peanuts compared to the value of doing it.”
A patriotic show – or political display?
Not everyone supports the idea. Critics have accused the president of using the parade to boost his own image. “This is Trump. This is all about his ego and making everything about him,” said Senator Jack Reed, the top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee. “The only thing he’d be disappointed about is that he couldn’t fly his plane over the parade.”
Reports also suggest Trump is in talks to obtain a Boeing 747 from Qatar, raising questions over potential conflicts of interest.
Still, Trump insists it’s about the military, calling it a tribute to “the greatest military in the world.”
How to get tickets
Ticket numbers are limited. Registration for free parade tickets is now open to the public. The grand fireworks display planned for dusk is expected to cap off a day full of military pride with a touch of Trump flair.
The parade promises to be one of the largest military displays the capital has seen in decades, which will include tanks, helicopters, vintage warplanes and thousands of soldiers.
The grand celebration will take over Constitution Avenue from 6:30 pm ET, reports USA Today.
Although it’s officially a celebration of the Army’s historic anniversary, the timing has turned it into an unofficial birthday party for Trump.
Parade route and what to expect
Events will begin in the morning with a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. Then, from the National Mall to the White House, troops and heavy armour will roll down the streets. The main action happens on Constitution Avenue, where Trump will be seated in a special viewing stand just south of the White House.
A Pentagon official told Axios that Army parachutists will jump from aircraft and land near Trump’s stand, where they will hand him an American flag for his birthday.
Trump, who had earlier called for a major military parade during his first term, is now playing a leading role in this event. According to Reuters, he will preside over an enlistment and reenlistment ceremony for troops at the end of the parade.
What’s in the line-up?
Here’s what attendees can look forward to, according to planning documents and organisers America 250:
- 7,500 soldiers participating
- 28 M1 Abrams tanks
- 28 Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles
- 4 Paladin howitzers
- 50 military helicopters, including Apaches, Black Hawks and Chinooks
- Flyovers by vintage aircraft like the B-17 bomber and P-51 Mustang
- Historical reenactors, military bands and period-accurate equipment will also be on show.
Where will troops stay?
Soldiers travelling to Washington from across the country won’t be staying in traditional barracks. Instead, they’ll be housed in repurposed government office buildings like the Department of Agriculture and a warehouse on 7th Street.
They’ll receive two MREs and one hot meal a day, with $50 daily bonus pay. Defence officials said “mayors” will be assigned to organise showers and logistics at each housing site. “Bring your sleeping bags,” one official joked.
How much will it cost?
The event currently carries a $30 million price tag, which could rise to $45 million. While the Army says it will cover any damage from tanks on city streets, officials are “not expecting damage.”
Trump, speaking on NBC’s Meet the Press on May 4, defended the cost: “It’s peanuts compared to the value of doing it.”
A patriotic show – or political display?
Not everyone supports the idea. Critics have accused the president of using the parade to boost his own image. “This is Trump. This is all about his ego and making everything about him,” said Senator Jack Reed, the top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee. “The only thing he’d be disappointed about is that he couldn’t fly his plane over the parade.”
Reports also suggest Trump is in talks to obtain a Boeing 747 from Qatar, raising questions over potential conflicts of interest.
Still, Trump insists it’s about the military, calling it a tribute to “the greatest military in the world.”
How to get tickets
Ticket numbers are limited. Registration for free parade tickets is now open to the public. The grand fireworks display planned for dusk is expected to cap off a day full of military pride with a touch of Trump flair.
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