A large-scale military parade is planned in Washington to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the U
S. Army and Donald Trump’s 79th birthday – Media Focus: aviation and over six thousand service members are preparing for a grand celebration According to information circulated by American media and sources, the United States Army is developing a major military parade in Washington that is set to be a spectacular event commemorating two significant dates – the 250th anniversary of the American Army and the 79th birthday of former President Donald Trump. Based on multiple sources, including the Associated Press, the plans involve deploying more than 6,600 military personnel, at least 150 military vehicles, and 50 helicopters. A substantial amount of military equipment, orchestras, and participation of civilians are also expected to make the event especially grand and solemn. Documents obtained by AP, dated at the end of April, emphasize that this parade was included in the celebration plans from the very beginning of the preparation. They indicate that the idea of staging a military parade emerged early on during the planning process, but last year, this idea was still at the discussion stage. Now, as preparations for the Army’s anniversary and the year since its founding—June 14—are underway, government officials are actively discussing the possibility of bringing the event to fruition. Regarding costs, the documents do not disclose specific figures; however, analysts estimate that such a large-scale parade could cost tens of millions of dollars. Expenses will include transporting vehicles and equipment from various parts of the country to the capital, as well as organizing accommodation and meals for thousands of service members participating in the event. US Army spokesperson Steve Warren told media outlets that a final decision on holding the parade has not yet been made. Meanwhile, authorities have begun considering possible scenarios, as initially, the celebration did not plan for an extensive parade—according to official sources. It was only last month that military and government circles started discussing more concretely the idea of organizing a grand show. Preliminary plans suggest that representatives from at least 11 military corps and divisions from all states will participate. Participants might include Stryker battalions with combat vehicles, tank units, infantry battalions with Bradley fighting vehicles, as well as artillery units with Paladin howitzers and other heavy equipment. Military bands are also expected to take part, with up to seven bands planned. As for civilian participants, the parade is expected to feature historic cars and aircraft, representatives of veterans’ organizations, military academies, reenactors, and groups involved in reconstructing historical events. The documents highlight that the event will be officially designated as a national event—entailing heightened security measures and requiring a permit for mass gatherings from regional authorities. It is known that in April, Donald Trump’s administration announced plans to hold a military parade in Washington on June 14, coinciding with the celebration of the former president’s 79th birthday. The idea of such an event first arose during his first presidential term when Trump personally directed the Pentagon to prepare a large military demonstration inspired by the French celebration of Bastille Day in Paris. However, the 2019 parade was canceled due to high costs—estimated at $92 million—and increasing criticism from the public and official circles. Now, as the issue has been openly raised again and discussed across the political spectrum, interest among both right and left circles is growing, since it would become one of the largest military displays in recent years. Thus, preparations for a possible event are ongoing, and it is quite likely that in the coming weeks it will become known whether Washington will be able to host an impressive military spectacle this year, with all the ceremonial and political implications that entails.