The Army confirmed on Friday that a massive military parade featuring 6,600 soldiers, 150 vehicles, and 50 helicopters will be held on President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday as part of the service’s 250th anniversary celebration.
The parade will follow a route from Arlington, Virginia, to the National Mall and has been submitted for classification as a “national special security event,” bringing additional federal resources to secure the area, PBS reported.
White House officials confirmed the commemorative parade would be one of the first events to kick off a yearlong celebration of the nation’s 250th anniversary planned through July 4, 2026.
“The Army is celebrating its 250th Birthday with multiple events leading up to June 14,” the Army said in a statement Friday evening. “The national level celebration will include a spectacular fireworks display, a parade, and a day-long festival on the National Mall in Washington, DC. The festival will feature displays of Army equipment, military demonstrations, musical performances, and a fitness competition.”
“Parade planning is actively underway, and we anticipate approximately 150 vehicles, 50 aircraft, and 6,600 Soldiers to highlight the Army’s 250 years of service to the nation,” it added.
President Trump has advocated for a military parade since witnessing France’s Bastille Day celebration in 2017, with White House-Pentagon discussions for this event beginning just two months ago. The parade fulfills Trump’s vision that was previously unrealized when a similar plan during his first term was reportedly cancelled.
According to military planning documents obtained by the AP, the massive display will include soldiers from at least 11 corps and divisions nationwide, and Stryker vehicles, tanks, Bradley vehicles, Paladin artillery, and Howitzers are expected in a display of American military power.
Army spokesman Steve Warren stated the Army is looking at options “to make the celebration even bigger, with more capability demonstrations, additional displays of equipment, and more engagement with the community.” The late afternoon parade will be followed by a parachute jump by the Golden Knights, a concert, and a “spectacular fireworks display.”
Beyond military units, the parade is expected to include civilian participation with historical vehicles, aircraft, representatives from veterans groups, military colleges, and historical reenactor organizations.
