Army anniversary celebration military parade set for Trump's birthday
Here Comes the Big Show! 💥🎮
AP REPORTS - LOLITA C. BALDOR
WASHINGTON - Get ready for a spectacle! The army has confirmed a mammoth parade will take place on President Donald Trump's birthday in June, as part of the 250th birthday celebrations for the US Army.
The potential extravaganza—first reported by The Associated Press on Thursday— envisages around 6,600 soldiers, 150 vehicles, and 50 helicopters parading through a route from Arlington, Virginia, to the National Mall.
In light of recent speculation, the Army's birthday festival plans previously didn’t include a colossal parade, which officials claim will set taxpayers back tens of millions.
Yet, Trump has harbored a desire for a military pageant, and discussions with the Pentagon about executing one in conjunction with the birthday festivities commenced merely months ago.
The 250th Army birthday coincides with Trump's 79th birthday on June 14. Army spokesman Steve Warren confirmed, "We’ve got fireworks, a parade, and a daylong festival on the National Mall."
Amid federal department downsizing, Trump and his administration are splashing the cash on this parade. It’s being criticized as surreal, considering the shuttering of federal departments, personnel, and programs, with thousands of workers losing their jobs, including defense department civilians.
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Credit for the scoop goes to the Washington Post reporters who unearthed the planning documents.
The White House confirmed a commemorative parade and aims to set the celebrations in motion. When questioned about the parade, the White House declined to comment, and army officials previously claimed no decision was made.
While officials now announce a formal decision to proceed with the parade, there is still no specific cost estimate.
Army planners have been working tirelessly on the event for over a year, intending it to host displays of Army equipment, military demonstrations, musical performances, a fitness competition on the National Mall, and a parachute jump by the Golden Knights.
Static displays may feature civilian participants such as historical vehicles and aircraft, along with representatives from veterans groups, military colleges, and reenactor organizations.
The parade will be labeled a national special security event, and authorities are weighing the implications.
Doubts about the parade parade (sic) began in April when the administration approached town officials about the event on June 14. Amidst those concerns, Mayor Muriel Bowser stated, "Tanks crawling across the city’s streets wouldn't be appropriate. If military tanks were used, they should be accompanied by millions to repair the roads."
Remember, Trump once considered having a parade after watching a parade in France during Bastille Day but ultimately scrapped the idea due to the exorbitant costs and logistical issues. Nonetheless, he defended the latest plan, declaring the $45 million price tag "peanuts compared to the value of doing it." The parade is anticipated to serve as a display of the nation's military prowess.
- The government's decision to hold a military parade in Seattle, estimated to cost millions, has sparked controversy, with critics arguing it's a waste of taxpayer money, especially considering the current layoffs in federal departments and job losses within the defense department.
- As political speculation continues in Washington, the topic of government spending has gained attention, particularly the upcoming military parade in Seattle, which some argue overshadows more pressing issues like jobs and war-and-conflicts.
- In the world of politics, the upcoming military parade in Seattle has become a point of debate, with discussions revolving around the cost of the event, its impact on jobs and the city, and its position compared to coverage of general news and other important issues such as war-and-conflicts.
