Army’s 250th Anniversary Parade Marks Trump’s 79th Birthday/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ A $45 million military parade for the Army’s 250th anniversary and Trump’s 79th birthday kicked off Saturday evening. Thousands of troops, tanks, helicopters, and bands marched as worries rose over rain and nationwide protests. Critics question politicization of the military, while Red-flag weather and “No Kings” rallies loom.
Military Parade Quick Looks
- Parade launches at Lincoln Memorial, includes 6 169 soldiers, 128 tanks/APCs, and 62 aircraft.
- Weather risk: rain and thunderstorms may disrupt the evening spectacle.
- Festivities start early with fitness demos, equipment displays, concert, giant cake cut, and parade events.
- High security: metal plates protect streets, snowplow barriers line routes, National Guard on standby.
- Political spotlight: occurs after Trump’s use of National Guard and Marines for domestic protests.
- Public dissent: 60% of Americans see the parade as poor spending; “No Kings” protests brewing nationally.
- Finale: Golden Knights parachute team, live concert by Lee Greenwood, fireworks in National Mall.
Army’s 250th Anniversary Parade Marks Trump’s 79th Birthday
Deep Look
250 Years of the Army Meets Trump’s Birthday
What began as a routine bicentennial milestone—the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary—turned into a high-profile spectacle when President Trump, now 79, tagged his birthday celebration onto the event. The parade launches from the Lincoln Memorial at 6:30 p.m. EDT, preceded by pre-parade fanfare along Pennsylvania Avenue, where vendors and snowplows—repurposed as barriers—line crowds.
Scale of the Spectacle
This isn’t just a march; it’s a massive display of military might. With 6,169 soldiers, 128 tanks, APCs, and artillery, and 62 aircraft overhead, the parade delivers a sweeping show of precision and power. Festivities began midday: fitness competitions, military equipment demonstrations, and a ceremonial cake-cut later leading into the evening’s aerial and ground procession.
Parade Amid Unusual Pandemic-Style Security
Metal plates have been laid on train-roads and bridge surfaces to protect asphalt under heavy tanks. Security fences and snowplow barriers line Constitution Avenue and the National Mall. With activists planning “No Kings” rallies in hundreds of cities—and recent unrest over immigration enforcement—state National Guard units stand by for rapid deployment.
Weather Threat Looms
Weather reports for Saturday evening forecast scattered thunderstorms and potential lightning. Rain or shine, the show will continue, but lightning may pause on Mall activities. Attendees should prepare for wet or stormy conditions.
Politicization Concerns
Trump’s decision to add this parade—after using military units in domestic immigration protests—has sparked controversy. Critics argue the cost (estimated at $25–45 million) and military spectacle serve political showmanship more than commemoration. An AP-NORC poll shows six in ten Americans believe this isn’t a good government spending choice. Trump insists protesters will be met with “very big force,” drawing concerns from military ethicists and civil rights advocates alike.
What’s Next—After the Parade?
Following the military march, President Trump will formally swear in 250 new or reenlisting troops, and the Army’s signature parachute team, the Golden Knights, will land on the Mall. Lee Greenwood’s live concert and fireworks will close out the evening with a distinctly national crescendo.
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