he US Army is set to mark its 250th anniversary on Saturday (June 14), with a large-scale celebration in Washington, D.C., that will feature a military parade, flyovers, equipment displays, and a public festival. The event will also coincide with President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday, although the Army has said there are no official plans to recognise his birthday. Nonetheless, Trump is expected to play a central role in the day’s ceremonies.
What’s planned for the day
The celebration will begin with a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, followed by a fitness competition and an Army birthday festival on the National Mall. The festival will include interactive displays, military demonstrations, and public engagement events aimed at showcasing Army history and capabilities.
The day will culminate in a massive parade through Washington, D.C., with Trump presiding over an enlistment and re-enlistment ceremony. Fireworks are scheduled for the evening, and the U.S. Army Golden Knights parachute team will drop in to present Trump with a flag.
Troop and equipment deployment
More than 6,500 troops, 150 military vehicles, and 50 aircraft will take part in the parade.
Equipment highlights include:
28 Stryker armored vehicles
Paladin self-propelled artillery units
M777 and M119 artillery pieces
The flyover segment will include Apache, Black Hawk, and Chinook helicopters, as well as historic World War II-era aircraft such as the B-25 bomber and P-51 Mustang.
Also featured in the parade: 34 horses, two mules, and a dog.
Security and crowd management
With hundreds of thousands expected to attend, security will be extensive. The US Secret Service is overseeing the effort, which includes:
18.5 miles of anti-scale fencing
17 miles of concrete barriers
Drones and surveillance systems