"To celebrate the US Army's 250th birthday on June 14, President Trump will honor American veterans, serving defense employees, and military history with a military parade!", writes the White House's assistant press secretary Anna Kelly on X.
According to the plans, which AP has taken part of, over 6,600 soldiers will participate, with at least 150 vehicles, 50 helicopters, and seven orchestras. The parade is expected to take place along the National Mall in the capital Washington.
Donald Trump already talked during his first term about organizing a military parade after visiting France and being impressed by the national day celebrations there. But the plans never became a reality. The Pentagon estimated the costs to over 90 million dollars, while concerns were raised about whether Washington's streets could handle tanks and other heavy military vehicles.
Next year, the US will celebrate 250 years. The army was founded as early as 1775, one year before the country, by the American colonists at the beginning of the War of Independence.
