The United States Army has begun preparations for a grand celebration marking its 250th anniversary, set to take place on June 14th, coinciding with President Donald Trump's birthday.
The event, which has expanded significantly since its inception two years ago, will feature a military parade, a concept previously proposed but not realized during Trump's tenure.
According to The Washington Times, the festivities will include a variety of attractions, from concerts and fireworks to fitness competitions and NFL player appearances. The National Mall will be the hub of these daylong celebrations, with the Army anticipating up to 200,000 attendees. The estimated cost of the event ranges from $25 million to $45 million.
The parade, scheduled for 6 p.m., will showcase 28 M1 Abrams main battle tanks, which were loaded onto rail cars at Fort Cavazos in Texas on Wednesday. These 60-ton tanks will journey by rail to Maryland over the course of nine or ten days before being transported by truck to Washington, D.C. The tanks, along with 28 Bradley Fighting Vehicles, 28 Stryker combat vehicles, four M-109 Paladin self-propelled howitzers, and other towed artillery, will be stationed near the Lincoln Memorial before the parade.
To minimize potential damage to city streets, the Army plans to lay thick metal plating at certain points along the parade route and add rubber padding to the tanks' metal tracks. The parade will commence just off the National Mall and proceed towards the White House.
Over 6,700 soldiers from across the country will participate in the parade and festival, residing in two federal buildings nearby from June 11-15. Army spokesman Steve Warren stated that the soldiers will receive a hot meal for dinner and a $69 per diem for additional food purchases.
The parade will feature units representing each of the nation's major conflicts, starting with the Revolutionary War. Each conflict will be represented by 60 soldiers in period uniforms, followed by 400 soldiers in modern uniforms from the same base.
The event will also include participation from unexpected quarters. For instance, Col. Anne McClain, an Army astronaut currently serving on the International Space Station, will be part of the festivities. The parade will conclude with the Army's Golden Knights parachute team landing near Trump to present him with a folded flag, followed by the swearing-in of 250 new recruits or reenlisting service members.
The celebration will also feature an aerial display, with over 50 helicopters and aircraft representing different wars flying over the city. These will be synchronized with the ground units as they pass the President. However, this aspect of the event is sensitive, given a recent collision in D.C.'s airspace between an Army Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines regional jet that resulted in 67 fatalities.
Warren assured that the Army has coordinated closely with the Federal Aviation Administration on routes, with helicopters taking off from Andrews Air Force Base towards the Capitol. The Army also hinted at a temporary closure of D.C.'s airspace during the aerial display.
This grand celebration, while a tribute to the Army's 250 years of service, also reflects the conservative values of honoring tradition, showcasing military strength, and fostering national pride. The event promises to be a memorable spectacle, a testament to the Army's enduring legacy and its integral role in the nation's history.
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