Military sets preparations for prospective march on Trump's birthday, involving approximately 6,600 troops, according to AP's findings.
In the Nutshell:
The Army has plans for a massive military parade set to take place on Donald Trump's 79th birthday, June 14, 2025. This is part of the Army's 250th anniversary celebration on the National Mall. The army's vision includes 6,600 soldiers, 150 vehicles, 50 helicopters, seven bands, and possibly thousands of civilians.
However, the plans remain unapproved, and costs are still speculative. Past estimates for such a parade could range from tens to over $100 million. Road damage in D.C. has been a concern, especially if heavy military vehicles are involved.
Trump himself has hinted at future celebrations, suggesting he may rename Victory in Europe Day and Veterans Day as "Victory Day" for World War II and World War I, respectively.
This is just a sneak peek into the potential parade. Stay tuned for more details in the coming months!
Insights From the Shadows:
- The planning documents reveal that the Army is excited about the possibility of making this event accessible to the entire nation, with the intent to showcase their service and reach out to the American people.
- The Army Festival on the National Mall was initially planned for over a year and was set to include a fitness competition, climbing walls, exhibitions of armored vehicles and helicopters, among other displays.
- The parade planned for June 14, 2025, would increase the equipment and troops involved when compared to the initial festival.
- The army plans propose having soldiers from at least 11 corps and divisions participating. These might include Stryker battalions, tank battalions, Bradley vehicle infantry battalions, Paladin artillery vehicles, Howitzers, and infantry vehicles.
- As part of the parade, there is also a request for seven Army bands, a parachute jump by the Golden Knights, and civilian participation from veterans groups, military colleges, reenactor organizations, historical vehicles, aircraft, and two bands.
- The National Park Service has submitted a request for the parade to be classified as a national special security event, which is currently under review.
- The potential costs for the parade remain unclear as the Army has not yet provided precise estimates. However, past estimates suggest that it would cost tens to over $100 million.
- Moving military vehicles, equipment, aircraft, and troops from across the country to Washington would be required, along with feeding and housing tens of thousands of service members. These logistical aspects add to the overall costs.
- There have been concerns about road damage in D.C., particularly on Pennsylvania Avenue, if tanks or other heavy vehicles are involved in the parade.
- The Army's plans for the military parade, scheduled for Donald Trump's 79th birthday in 2025, are aimed at showcasing their service and reaching out to the American people.
- Plans for the Army Festival on the National Mall, initially scheduled over a year prior, included a fitness competition, climbing walls, exhibitions of armored vehicles and helicopters, among other displays.
- The parade planned for June 14, 2025, has more equipment and troops involved compared to the initial festival, with soldiers from at least 11 corps and divisions participating, potentially including Stryker battalions, tank battalions, infantry vehicles, Bradley vehicle infantry battalions, Paladin artillery vehicles, Howitzers, and more.
- The planned event also includes seven Army bands, a parachute jump by the Golden Knights, and civilian participation from veterans groups, military colleges, reenactor organizations, historical vehicles, aircraft, and two bands.
- The National Park Service has submitted a request for the parade to be classified as a national special security event, but the costs remain unclear as precise estimates have not been provided yet, with past estimates suggesting it could cost tens to over $100 million, considering logistical aspects such as moving troops and equipment across the country, feeding and housing service members, and concerns about road damage, particularly on Pennsylvania Avenue, if heavy vehicles like tanks are involved.
