The U.S. military will hold an unprecedented parade through the streets of Washington, D.C., to commemorate its 250th anniversary.
The event will be attended by President Donald Trump, who is celebrating his 79th birthday on the same day and has expressed excitement for the spectacle.
Over 6,000 military personnel, 150 military vehicles, and 50 aircraft are scheduled to participate in the celebration. The festivities will feature an air show, a cavalry parade, and a final parachute jump with the American flag in front of President Trump.
While military parades are common in countries like France and Russia, they are rare in the United States. The last similar parade in Washington took place in 1991, following the conclusion of the Gulf War.
For this event, tanks and armored vehicles were transported from Fort Cavazos in Texas, primarily by train and then by truck to downtown Washington. Notably, Abrams tanks weighing approximately 63 tons each posed logistical challenges, as the city streets can typically support only up to 36 tons. To address this, Army engineers installed steel plates and rubber coatings to protect the pavement beforehand.
Approximately 200,000 spectators are expected to attend, with security measures being exceptionally tight. Authorities have installed 29 kilometers of fencing and 175 metal detectors. The event has been designated a National Security Event of Special Significance (NSSE) by the Department of Homeland Security, highlighting concerns over potential terrorist threats or violence.
The estimated cost of the parade could reach up to $45 million, a figure some critics argue represents an unnecessary expenditure of taxpayer funds.
