In discussions around a potential military parade for President Donald Trump’s upcoming birthday on June 14, detailed plans by the Army have come to light, which envisage participation by over 6,600 soldiers, upwards of 150 military vehicles, and 50 helicopters, complete with seven bands and potentially thousands of civilian participants. These plans, dating back to late April, weren’t initially intended for public release. This blueprint, reflecting the Army’s latest strategy for commemorating its 250th anniversary on the National Mall, merges with discussions of a grand military parade—a concept long favored by Trump. Coincidentally, the Army’s celebration aligns with the former president’s 79th birthday.
Financial estimates aren’t included in the disclosed document, yet staging an event of this magnitude could run into tens of millions of dollars. Costs would cover the logistics of mobilizing military assets and personnel nationwide into the capital, alongside the provisions necessary to sustain service members deployed for the parade. During Trump’s previous term, high expenses deterred similar parade proposals, and concerns persist over potential road damage from the parade’s heavy vehicles, an issue raised by city officials.
The Army’s spokesperson, Steve Warren, notes no finalized decisions have been made regarding the parade. Meanwhile, fellow Army spokesperson Col. Dave Butler emphasizes their enthusiasm for the anniversary preparations. “Our aim is to make it a national celebration, giving citizens a chance to know their Army and soldiers better,” Butler elaborates. “While plans for a parade might be tentative, we believe it could enrich our already extensive plans.”
Sources familiar with these initial plans, speaking anonymously due to their preliminary status, indicate these drafts serve as preparations for possible White House endorsement. The White House has yet to offer a comment. Changes to the initial draft have transpired recently, suggesting further revisions might occur.
Expressing sentiments in a recent Truth Social post, Trump declared a commitment to reinstating the celebration of victories, proposing to rename historical holidays like Victory in Europe Day and Veterans Day to honor World War victories differently.
To realize the parade vision, equipment would predominantly require transport via rail or air. While some military hardware and personnel were earmarked for the Army’s birthday celebration, the addition of a parade amplifies these elements. Reportedly, as many as 6,300 service members might march, with the remainder in supportive roles. Initially, parade prospects weren’t listed in the Army festival plans until discussions emerged last month, suggesting a comprehensive showcase of the Army’s 250-year history.
The parade outline indicates potential inclusion of eleven divisions nationwide, featuring various battalions equipped with Stryker vehicles, tanks, infantry repertoires with Bradley vehicles, artillery apparatus, and more. The parade is expected to feature seven bands, the renowned parachute team the Golden Knights, a selection of historical vehicles, and broader civilian involvement from veterans, military academies, and reenactment groups.
Labelling the parade as a national special security event, reviewed by the National Park Service, highlights security severity. Additional activities, such as a concert and fireworks, would likely complement the parade’s anticipated evening conclusion. Planners face logistical challenges regarding accommodations for troops and securing equipment migration into the city. Some documents cite uncertainties over specific unit participation.
Trump’s desire for a large-scale military parade stems from his awe at France’s Bastille Day parade in 2017. Initially planning an even grander parade on Pennsylvania Avenue, inadequate funding and logistical issues caused the idea to be shelved, with cost predictions hitting $92 million. Back then, the Pentagon advised against using tanks to avoid road damage. As dialogue renews this year around the Army’s birthday, possibilities of a parade rekindle interest, reportedly nudged by discussions between the administration and city officials.
When approached, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser acknowledged conversations about a June 14 parade originating in Arlington, crossing into Washington. While tentative about labeling it a military parade, Bowser warned that heavy military vehicles could severely impact city infrastructure, necessitating substantial funds for road repair. Previous defense directives limited any 2018 plans to solely wheeled vehicles to curb infrastructure strain from heavier machinery.