US Army 250th Anniversary Parade Displays 6,500 Troops, 150 Vehicles in Washington

The U.S. Army is holding a $40-$45 million military parade in Washington, D.C., to mark its 250th anniversary, coinciding with President Donald Trump's 79th birthday. The event will showcase over 150 military vehicles, including heavy tanks and aircraft, and feature more than 6,000 troops, with an expected attendance of up to 200,000 people. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll emphasized the parade as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to honor the Army's legacy and inspire recruitment, asserting that the timing with Trump’s birthday is coincidental. While supporters, including veterans, see the parade as a proud demonstration of military strength and tradition, critics view it as an expensive, politically charged event resembling a personal birthday celebration for Trump. The parade has also sparked controversy due to its timing amid nationwide protests and the deployment of the National Guard to Los Angeles without the state governor's consent. Despite criticism, President Trump has warned that protesters at the event will face a strong response, underscoring the tense atmosphere surrounding the celebration.