Donald Trump is planning a big military parade on his birthday, June 14. This date also marks the 250th anniversary of the US Army. The parade is expected to cost $100 million. For years, Trump has wanted a grand display of military strength. He got the idea after seeing a large parade in France. Trump was impressed by it and said the US needed to top it. Now, it looks like his plan is finally happening.
Parade to Start at the Pentagon and End at the White House
The parade will begin at the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia. It will make its way through the streets of Washington DC, ending at the White House. Military personnel, including soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines, will march in front of thousands of spectators. The parade will also feature tanks, military vehicles, planes, and missiles. Trump wants to show off the US military’s might in a way never seen before.
Plans for a First-Term Parade Were Canceled
Back in 2017, Trump wanted a similar military parade. After attending a French military display, he got inspired. He said, “We’re going to have to try and top it.” But local officials and military leaders quickly canceled the parade plans. They said the costs were too high. They also worried that heavy equipment like tanks would damage the roads. Trump had to call off his first attempt, even though it would have cost $91 million.
Mayor Criticized the High Costs
At the time, Washington DC Mayor Muriel Bowser expressed her concerns. She criticized the cost of the parade. Bowser said the local politicians were asking for too much money to organize it. She felt the amount of money being requested was unreasonable. Instead of supporting the parade, she chose to attend another event at Andrews Air Force Base. It seemed the parade plans weren’t going to move forward in the way Trump had hoped.
New Plans for a Bigger Spectacle
Now, it seems Trump is ready to try again. This time, the parade could be even bigger and grander. Arlington County Board Chair Takis Karantonis was given a heads up about the plans. He hasn’t received many details yet, but he hopes the federal government will be considerate of veterans’ concerns. Many veterans are dealing with job losses because of recent government decisions. The parade, meant to honor the US Army, could stir up mixed feelings for those affected.
America’s 250th Birthday Celebration in 2026
Trump also has big plans for America’s 250th birthday in 2026. He calls it the Great American State Fair, a year-long celebration of the country’s history. Trump wants to showcase America’s greatness in the most patriotic way possible. The event will feature parades, displays, and other activities. The highlight will be a “National Garden of American Heroes.” This garden will feature statues of important historical figures. Trump wants the Great American State Fair to be the most exciting and memorable celebration in US history.
The Parade is Part of a Larger Vision
The military parade is just one part of Trump’s larger plan to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary. He wants the country to see its power and achievements in a grand way. The Great American State Fair will be a massive, year-long event, with millions of people expected to attend. It’s clear that Trump wants to make the country’s birthday a time to remember. The military parade is only the beginning of a much larger celebration that could go down in history.
