The United States Army will celebrate 250 years of service on June 14 with a large-scale military parade through the nation’s capital.
But the festivities, which have been in the planning stages for a couple of years, will include far more and didn’t initially include the parade.
The day also marks President Trump’s 79th birthday. Trump had hoped for a grand military parade in his first term, but the plan was scuttled due to high costs. Such an event was added to the Army’s celebration. The parade is expected to cost between $25 million and $45 million.
The day will start with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia and will conclude at The Ellipse, just south of the White House.
Here’s a look at all the events in between.
Fitness competition
Fourteen of the Army’s strongest soldiers will face off at 9:30 a.m. EDT for a fitness competition on the National Mall.
“Think CrossFit Games, for those of you who do that. It’ll be great and really fun. Again, all the senior leaders will be there. You’ll be able to talk to the troops participating,” Steven Warren, deputy chief from the Army’s Office of the Chief of Public Affairs, said during a Wednesday media roundtable.
The two-hour competition will be livestreamed.
Army festival
The Army’s festival kicks off at 11 a.m. with festivities and fun alongside service members.
“It’s on the Mall. It’s free, and it’s family-friendly. It includes musical performances,” Warren said of the event.
Several performers, including Noah Hicks, Scotty Hasting and DJ Nyla, are slated to entertain the crowds.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to showcase their athletic ability at the Kids Zone sponsored by the NFL. The Washington Commanders head coach, Dan Quinn, will be there to interact with children who participate in the sports course in addition to former Medal of Honor recipients and a NASA astronaut. The event ends at 6 p.m.
Parade
The Army parade will start promptly at 6 p.m. at the Pentagon and is set to feature an array of military equipment.
There will be a total of 28 M1 tanks and 28 Bradley fighting vehicles, in addition to M777 and M119 howitzers. Multiple infantry squad vehicles and helicopters will also be showcased in the parade, which will move along Constitution Avenue.
“There’s going to be an extensive flyover. More than 50 helicopters will participate, including 64 Apaches, 60 Black Hawks and 47 Chinooks,” Warren said.
The flyover will also include historical equipment, such as aircraft used in World War II, including Sherman tanks, a B-25 bomber, a P-51 Mustang fighter plane and a C-47 transport plane.
He added that there would be 34 horses, two mules, one wagon and a dog.
Trump will administer oath to soldiers
After the parade concludes, the Army’s parachute team, known as the Golden Knights, is slated to present President Trump with a folded flag.
Then, around 7:30 p.m., Trump will then administer the oath of office to a group of about 250 soldiers, future soldiers, reenlisted soldiers and new enlistees.
Concert and fireworks
The day’s celebration will end with musical performances starting around 8 p.m., and fireworks will follow at 9:45 p.m.
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