The Army is planning to host a commemorative parade next month with 6,600 soldiers to celebrate its founding and President Trump’s birthday, according to a proposal reviewed by The Associated Press.
The event would mark Trump’s 79th birthday and 250 years of service for the military branch, which is a year older than the United States itself.
The president has announced plans to ensure the nation celebrates its 250th anniversary in a large format, and a potential parade this year would serve as a precursor for future festivities.
“Any discussion of the parade is pre-decisional at this point. The Army is celebrating its 250th Birthday with multiple events leading up to June 14, including an Army Birthday Festival on the National Mall in Washington, DC,” Army spokesperson Heather J. Hagan told The Hill in a statement. “We intend to have a national level celebration to increase pride in America and America’s Army.”
Hagan added, “Given the significant milestone of 250 years, the Army is exploring options to make the celebration bigger, with more capability demonstrations, static displays of equipment, and more engagement with the community.”
Plans currently include a display of military vehicles, equipment, aircraft and thousands of service members from at least 11 corps and divisions. Much of the machinery would have to be brought in by train or flown in, according to AP.
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) told the outlet that the Trump administration reached out in April about holding a June 14 parade that would span from Arlington, Va., across the Potomac River to the District. She expressed concerns about the potential display and its impact on infrastructure.
“If military tanks were used, they should be accompanied with many millions of dollars to repair the roads,” Bowser told AP.
Bowser, the Army and the White House did not immediately respond to The Hill’s request for comment.
Army spokesperson Steve Warren said Thursday that no final decisions have been made about the large-scale parade.
However, Col. Dave Butler, another Army spokesperson, said the Army is excited about public plans for its anniversary.
“We want to make it into an event that the entire nation can celebrate with us,” Butler told AP.
“We want Americans to know their Army and their soldiers. A parade might become part of that, and we think that will be an excellent addition to what we already have planned.”
Updated at 11:12 a.m. EDT.
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