The White House has confirmed that a grand military parade to honor the 250th anniversary of the US Army is set for June 14, coinciding with President Donald Trump's 79th birthday. This day-long celebration on the National Mall in Washington, DC, will feature 6,600 soldiers, 150 vehicles, and 50 aircraft, with further expansion of community engagement and capability demonstrations in planning.
Military Parade to Celebrate US Army's 250th Anniversary on Trump's Birthday
Military Parade to Celebrate US Army's 250th Anniversary on Trump's Birthday
The anticipated event will showcase military pride as the US Army marks a significant milestone on June 14.
Trump's earlier ambitions for a military parade fizzled due to budget concerns, with previous reports estimating expenses reaching around $90 million. The former president had initially suggested a parade to coincide with Veterans Day in 2018, expressing a desire for a display that would rival France's impressive Bastille Day celebrations. Despite previous cancellations, this year’s event seems to be gaining exciting momentum.
In addition, Trump has also proposed renaming Veterans Day to "Victory Day for World War I" and has shown interest in commemorating VE Day on May 8 as "Victory Day for World War II." While these ideas have sparked debate, White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt clarified that Veterans Day would continue to be honored in its existing form.
The proposed changes, along with the upcoming parade, seek to emphasize and celebrate American military victories, according to Trump. He noted that other nations, including allies, celebrate victory, suggesting that the US should also embrace its military successes with dedicated commemorations.
This year marks the 80th anniversary of VE Day, a significant event in the UK and other nations to honor the Allied victory in Europe. The occasion commemorates the tremendous sacrifices made during World War II, including the loss of approximately 418,500 American lives, primarily military casualties.
Veterans Day, originally known as Armistice Day, was established to honor those who served in World War I and was later expanded to recognize all US military veterans. Memorial Day, celebrated in May, is designated to remember fallen soldiers.
Overall, the upcoming military parade marks more than just a celebration of the US Army—it’s intertwined with ongoing discussions about memorializing military history and identity in the nation, under President Trump's leadership.
In addition, Trump has also proposed renaming Veterans Day to "Victory Day for World War I" and has shown interest in commemorating VE Day on May 8 as "Victory Day for World War II." While these ideas have sparked debate, White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt clarified that Veterans Day would continue to be honored in its existing form.
The proposed changes, along with the upcoming parade, seek to emphasize and celebrate American military victories, according to Trump. He noted that other nations, including allies, celebrate victory, suggesting that the US should also embrace its military successes with dedicated commemorations.
This year marks the 80th anniversary of VE Day, a significant event in the UK and other nations to honor the Allied victory in Europe. The occasion commemorates the tremendous sacrifices made during World War II, including the loss of approximately 418,500 American lives, primarily military casualties.
Veterans Day, originally known as Armistice Day, was established to honor those who served in World War I and was later expanded to recognize all US military veterans. Memorial Day, celebrated in May, is designated to remember fallen soldiers.
Overall, the upcoming military parade marks more than just a celebration of the US Army—it’s intertwined with ongoing discussions about memorializing military history and identity in the nation, under President Trump's leadership.
