The streets of central D.C. are soon to be filled with thousands of soldiers, massive tanks and artillery, and the cacophonic rumble of Vintage warplanes and sleek Blackhawks flying overhead.
That’s because the U.S. Army is marking its 250th anniversary with a pomp-filled procession through the streets of the nation’s capital Saturday, June 14, showcasing military might in a display with few, if any, precedents.
The date also coincides with President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday.
The parade, which will feature Army equipment, flyovers, musical performances and thousands of soldiers in uniforms from the past and the present, caps off a week of programming designed to celebrate the country’s military might. Trump posted a short video address about the parade to Truth Social on Friday, June 6, inviting Americans to what he called an “unforgettable” celebration, “one like you’ve never seen before.”
“For two and a half centuries, the men and women of America’s Army have dominated our enemies and protected our freedom at home,” he said in the video. “This parade salutes our soldiers’ remarkable strength and unbeatable spirit. You won’t want to miss it. Just don’t miss this one. It’s going to be good.”
Here’s what to know about the parade and day-long celebration in Washington, D.C.
When and where is the June 14 DC military parade?
The military parade is slated for Saturday, June 14, in the heart of Washington, D.C., spanning six blocks and bisecting the National Mall. Organizers say the procession begins at 6:30 p.m. ET.
What are the events and performances at the June 14 celebration?
Celebrations and associated events are set to take place throughout the day at the Army Birthday Festival starting at 11 a.m. ET. Members of the public can visit, where there will be military demonstrations, equipment displays and live music throughout the day, Army event organizers say
Visitors can expect kid zones, more than 50 vendors and experience booths and meet-and-greets with “Army soldiers, NFL players, influencers and celebrities,” according to the U.S. Army event page.
Those feeling adventurous can show up early and take part in the Army’s fitness competition, from 9:30 a.m. to noon.
There will be several musical acts throughout the June 14 celebration, including country singer Scotty Hasting, a former Army infantryman who was wounded in Afghanistan, country singer Noah Hicks of Nashville and DJ Nyla Symone.
The Army’s birthday parade will cross in front of Trump’s viewing stand on Constitution Avenue, just south of the White House, around sundown. The president is also expected to attend an enlistment and re-enlistment ceremony after the parade. A parachute demonstration by the Golden Knights and a fireworks display and evening concert will conclude the festivities.
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Where is the Army Birthday Festival?
The festival is between 14th Street SW and the 12th Street Expressway on the lawn between Madison Drive NW and Jefferson Drive SW, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET.
It is next to the Smithsonian Metro Station NW entrance, which will be closed, organizers say, though the Smithsonian Metro Station SW entrance will be open.
Information is also available on the Army’s event website, www.army.mil/1775/.
What does the parade celebrate? Is it Trump’s birthday parade?
Though the parade is on the same day as the president’s 79th birthday, event organizers and administration officials say it is solely to celebrate the U.S. Army.
The administration has insisted that the Army’s anniversary and Trump’s birthday are a coincidence and that the parade is justified to honor soldiers’ sacrifice. Plans for the June 14 parade began in earnest about a month ago. Yet as focus squares in on the U.S. Army’s 250 years of existence, other branches are notably left out. The Navy, which also celebrates its 250th anniversary this year in October, has no plans for a similar parade, a spokesperson told USA TODAY. Neither does the Marine Corps, for its 250th in November.
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How to get tickets to attend in person
Tickets for the parade are limited, but those interested in attending the parade on June 14 can RSVP here. Prospective attendees will be asked to provide their full name, phone number, email, state and zip code.
Where does the ‘Grand Military Parade’ start and end?
The parade will take place along Constitution Avenue NW, starting on Constitution Avenue NW and 23rd Street and ending on 15th Street alongside the National Mall, near the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
Graphic of Parade Route: See where the procession will go through central DC
How to watch the June 14 parade
Events from the 250th birthday celebration, including the parade, will be livestreamed on all U.S. Army social media platforms.
Contributing: Cybele Mayes-Osterman, Tom Vanden Brook
Kathryn Palmer is a national trending news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at kapalmer@usatoday.com and on X @KathrynPlmr.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What to know about Trump’s military parade: Date, time, route
