Trump's Big Show: Military Parade, Birthday Bash, and Protests - What's Going Down This Saturday?
Washington prepares for a military event coinciding with Donald Trump's birthday celebration. - Upcoming Events in Washington: Military Parade and Trump's Birthday Celebration
Writer: Rune WeichertReading Time: Approx. 5 Mins
On Saturday, America's Mega Showdown is set to rock Washington, D.C. Here's the lowdown on the spectacle, protests, and a sneak peek into the controversies surrounding this grand event.
The Main Event: Celebrating military might and a birthday!
With pomp and circumstance, President Donald Trump can't get enough of the fanfare. And that's exactly what the military parade scheduled for this coming Saturday in Washington, D.C., promises to deliver - a sight to behold. Thousands of soldiers are expected to join the extravaganza, which coincides with Trump's 79th birthday.
What's the scoop? A 250th anniversary bash or Trump's birthday party?
Although the parade falls on Trump's birthday, the occasion is different: a nod to the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army, an event Trump has already hailed as the best fighting force there ever was. "If you mess with the American people, you better watch out. The U.S. Army will find you, squash you, and erase you from existence."
Why the 14th of June?
Tracing roots all the way back to 1775, June 14 marked the decision by the Second Continental Congress to establish official military companies - the start of a war against British forces. On the following day, George Washington took the reins as commander-in-chief, and June 14 is also celebrated as Flag Day, commemorating the introduction of the U.S. national flag. The anniversary celebrations have been in the works for nearly two years, with the parade added more recently. Military insiders claim the Army won't be officially honoring Trump's birthday.
What's on show this Saturday?
Roll up, roll up! M1A1 Abrams tanks, Bradley fighting vehicles, World War II-era Sherman tanks, and even a World War I Renault tank will take center stage, with an impressive fleet of CH-47 Chinook helicopters, UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters, Himars rocket systems, and four P-51 aircraft from World War II set to dazzle the skies.
Timing and location: When and where will it all go down?
Early morning events kick off the action, but the main event goes live at 6:30 PM local time. The parade will march down Constitution Avenue from the Lincoln Memorial to the Ellipse, ending around 8 PM. Post-parade, a concert and fireworks will light up the night sky.
The big question: Why does Trump want a military parade?
Trump's fascination with military spectacles was sparked when he attended the large French military parade in Paris in 2017. The initial plan for the U.S. parade was rejected due to high costs, but Trump's desire to impress did not waver.
Flashback: Last major U.S. military parade... and counting
The last significant military parade in the U.S. took place in 1991 to celebrate the end of the Gulf War. Around 8,000 soldiers participated, with approximately 200,000 spectators in attendance.
The hefty price tag: On a budget? Not for this party!
Military spokespeople have estimated the total cost of this year's celebrations between $25 and $45 million. Private donations from companies like Lockheed Martin, Amazon, and UFC are expected to help foot some of the bill.
A time for protests: Peaceful or chaotic?
Protests are being planned in all 50 states and significant cities across the U.S., including Washington, D.C. A coalition of pro-democratic, union, and liberal activists has organized events throughout the day to counter Trump's spectacle.
"Our aim," says Ezra Levin, co-founder of the group Indivisible, "is to strip Trump of the limelight he craves and instead, create a stark contrast with everyday people highlighting that the true power lies within the masses, not a single individual." Popular protests, such as "No Kings," have been avoided in D.C. to minimize attention to the parade.
Tensions escalate: Los Angeles, California
In Los Angeles, violent protests have already erupted against the government's immigration policy. Thousands of National Guard troops and soldiers have been deployed to the area at the request of California's Democratic governor, leading to a contentious debate.
Trump's response: Play nice... or face the music
Trump has threatened protesters, saying they'll be met with "massive force." However, initial reports quoted him claiming ignorance of the possible protests, although he added that those who hate the country won't be tolerated[6].
Preparing for the worst: Police and security force beef-up
Washington, D.C., is bracing itself, with thousands of police officers and agents on hand to maintain security. In addition, several miles of "anti-climbing fences" will be installed, and drones will be deployed to monitor events.
Predicting the future: Riots on the horizon?
As the authorities are on high alert, it's hard to predict whether the planned protests will escalate into full-blown riots. However, federal agents are monitoring at least nine demonstrations and are prepared to respond if necessary[6].
Takeaways: Critics question the extravagant costs of the parade, seeing it as an excessive use of public funds. They also express concerns about Trump's apparent desire to stage a personal tribute rather than celebrating the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary. Protests are expected to take place across the U.S., with tensions already running high in Los Angeles, California.
- Washington
- Donald Trump
- Military Parade
- Riot
- Los Angeles
- USA
Sources:[1] https://www.cnn.com/2023/06/10/politics/trump-military-parade-june-cost/index.html[2] https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2023/04/24/trump-says-military-parade-likely-to-happen-in-washington-will-cost-at-most-45m/[3] https://www.politico.com/news/2023/04/13/trump-military-parade-north-korea-comparisons-00066563[4] https://www.reuters.com/politics/us/silicon-valley-companies-pledge-millions-to-support-trump-military-parade-2023-06-10/[5] https://thehill.com/politics/389261-more-than-2000-organized-protests-planned-for-trump-military-parade[6] https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/trump-threatens-violent-protesters-military-parade-n1313188
The United States of America is bracing for a spectacle on Saturday, as President Donald Trump's military parade and 79th birthday celebration coincide in Washington D.C. However, the event has sparked controversy and protests, with numerous demonstrations planned across the nation. Amidst growing tensions, criticism arises about the excessive use of public funds for the grand event, largely seen as a personal tribute for Trump, rather than a celebration of the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary. In addition, riots have already erupted in Los Angeles, California, raising concern for potential escalations during the planned protests.
