The U.S. Army is celebrating its historic 250th anniversary today with a massive festival and parade in the nation’s capital, coinciding with former President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday. The event is one of the largest military tributes held in Washington since the end of the Gulf War in 1991.
Why June 14?
June 14 marks the date in 1775 when the Second Continental Congress established the Continental Army, a day after the outbreak of fighting at Lexington and Concord. The following day, George Washington was appointed as the first Commander in Chief. The Army recognizes this date as its official birthday.
A Full Day of Celebrations
The festivities began with a festival on the National Mall, open to the public from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.. Visitors were treated to interactive exhibits, historical reenactments, and live performances showcasing the Army’s journey through the centuries.
The centerpiece of the day, however, is the military parade, which starts at 6:30 p.m. from 23rd Street NW, traveling down Constitution Avenue to 15th Street NW, and is expected to conclude around 7:30 p.m. The day will end with a fireworks show at 9:45 p.m., lighting up the D.C. skyline in honor of the Army’s service and sacrifice.
What to Expect in the Parade
This is not just any parade — it is a massive show of military history and strength. According to Army officials, 6,600 soldiers from different eras will participate, each dressed in the uniforms of their respective time periods, from the Revolutionary War to modern-day combat troops and even future-focused tech divisions.
On the equipment front, expect to see an impressive display of 150 military vehicles, including: 26 M1A1 Abrams tanks, 27 Bradley Fighting Vehicles, 2 World War II-era Sherman tanks, 1 Renault tank from World War I.
Adding to the aerial spectacle are over 50 aircraft, featuring: 8 CH-47 Chinook helicopters, 16 UH-60 Black Hawks, 4 vintage P-51 Mustang aircraft from WWII.
Precautions to Protect D.C.’s Streets
With such heavy machinery on the move, the Army has taken extensive precautions to protect city infrastructure. Steel plates, 1-inch thick and up to 20 feet long, have been strategically placed at key turning points along the route to prevent road damage. Additionally, all tanks have been equipped with brand-new rubber track pads for extra cushioning.
First D.C. Military Parade in Over 30 Years
This is the first major military parade in Washington since 1991, when the city hosted the National Victory Parade celebrating the end of the Gulf War. That event featured around 8,000 service members and drew over 200,000 spectators, with a reported cost of $8 million.
Today’s event, larger in scale and significance, marks a return to such national celebrations and aims to remind the public of the Army’s proud legacy and continued commitment to defending the nation.
A Salute to the Past, Present, and Future
As the U.S. Army steps into its 251st year, today’s celebration stands as a powerful tribute to the generations of men and women who have served under its banner. With a blend of historical homage and modern firepower, the parade offers a vivid snapshot of the Army’s evolution — and its enduring role in shaping and safeguarding the United States.
