The U.S. Army’s upcoming 250th-birthday parade will be a jam-packed affair.
The White House finally revealed the event’s itinerary in a press release Wednesday, stating that it will take place on Constitution Ave in Washington D.C., between 15th and 23rd Street, and last for three hours.
The celebration, which will coincide with President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday, is slated to run from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on June 14, with guest entry beginning at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are available through America250’s website, and will be distributed on a first come, first served basis.
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“The parade will trace the Army’s evolution from the Revolutionary War through to the U.S. Army of Tomorrow,” the White House’s statement read. “Attendees will experience 250 years of Army heritage through historical U.S. Army personnel re-enactors, period-accurate equipment, vehicles, impressive flyovers, and military bands participating in this landmark event.”
Army officials disclosed further details to reporters at the Pentagon on Wednesday, sharing that over 50 aircraft, including military helicopters and historic planes like the B-25 bomber, will take part in a planned flyover.
Moreover, 28 M1A1 Abrams tanks, 28 Bradley Fighting vehicles, and 28 Strykers will feature in the parade, along with 4 Paladins, Axios, citing army spokesperson Steve Warren, reported.
Trump is slated to deliver remarks at the event, which will also include a fireworks display. When asked if Trump’s birthday would somehow be roped into the event, Warren told reporters: “No plans. This has been the Army’s birthday for [250]—we’ve had 249 previous of these.”
Officials expect at least 200,000 people to attend, in addition to the 6,700 soldiers expected to take part, and have categorized the celebration as a “national security special event,” a designation often used for tentpole events like the Super Bowl.
The Army expects to spend between $25 million to $45 million on its birthday plans, which will include a handful of other events, such as a festival preceding the parade at the National Mall.
The president has long yearned for an extravagant military parade, previously pushing for one during his first administration in 2018. He ultimately canceled the event after its estimated cost came in at $92 million, according to the Associated Press.
