The United States Army is about to celebrate its 250th anniversary this Saturday, with a grand military parade on Flag Day led by President Donald Trump. Tens of thousands of people are expected to flock to Washington D.C. to witness the event.
President Trump, during an interview in the Oval Office at the White House on Tuesday, teased that the event would be magnificent, saying, “We are going to celebrate the country in a big way this time.”
The Department of Homeland Security has designated the Army’s 250th anniversary parade as a National Special Security Event (NSSE). Enhanced security measures will be in place before, during, and after the parade. Stay tuned for real-time updates from official sources such as the U.S. Army and the White House on their social media accounts.
According to reports from Fox News and other sources, here are some key details for those planning to attend the parade:
Date & Time: The parade will take place on Saturday, June 14th, from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM (Eastern Time). Audience entry will begin at 2:00 PM, and it is recommended to arrive early to secure a spot.
Location: The parade route will run along Constitution Avenue NW on the National Mall, starting from the Lincoln Memorial (23rd Street) and ending at the Washington Monument (15th Street).
This event not only commemorates the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army but also coincides with President Trump’s 79th birthday and Flag Day. It is advisable to allow plenty of time and arrive early near the parade route.
Tickets are free and can be obtained through the America250 official website. Each mobile number is limited to two tickets.
Audiences can view the parade from both sides of Constitution Avenue or on the grassy areas around the Washington Monument.
Rain is expected in the morning on Saturday, with the possibility of thunderstorms in the afternoon. Temperatures are forecasted to be over 80 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately 27-31 degrees Celsius).
Approximately 6,600 U.S. Army soldiers will participate in the parade wearing uniforms representing different historical periods and modern attire. Display items will include 150 military vehicles (such as the Abrams main battle tank) and 50 aircraft (such as Black Hawk helicopters).
The event will also feature aerial flyovers and parachute performances.
The Metropolitan Police Department of D.C. has issued a list of prohibited items, including but not limited to drones, remote-controlled aircraft, fireworks, flammables, weapons (including knives and replica guns). For the full list, click here to visit the official website.
It is recommended to check the prohibited items list in advance to avoid any inconveniences at the security checkpoints.
Several road closures will be implemented around the National Mall, including Constitution Avenue NW, Virginia Avenue NW, Rock Creek Parkway, Independence Avenue SW, and the Arlington Memorial Bridge.
It is advised to use the metro and avoid congested downtown areas and closed-off roads. The northwest exit of the Smithsonian Metro Station will be closed, but the southwest exit of Independence Avenue will remain open.
For details on road closures, refer to the U.S. Army website.
In light of Air Force One flyover demonstrations and evening fireworks during the parade, the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) will temporarily halt some flights.
Passengers are advised to contact airlines in advance to confirm flight schedules to avoid disruptions.
From 2:00 PM on June 13th until 10:00 PM on June 14th, parts of the Potomac River and Anacostia River will be designated as temporary security zones, prohibiting all non-law enforcement vessels and personnel from entering. This zone spans from the 14th Street Bridge to the Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Bridge.
The Army’s 250th anniversary carnival will take place between 7th and 14th streets on the National Mall, with the entrance at 7th Street.
After the parade, a concert will be held in the Ellipse in front of the White House, capped off with a fireworks display.
Several protest rallies are also expected to take place in the capital, including “Rejecting Fascism”, “Fair Action Grand Parade”, and the “Democratic Picnic” at Fort Reno Park.
Furthermore, nationwide protests under the banner of “No Kings” will criticize President Trump for authoritarian tendencies.
President Trump has warned there will be a robust response to violent protesters.
The Metropolitan Police Department website indicates that the Army’s 250th anniversary parade has been designated a National Special Security Event, signifying the deployment of a large number of law enforcement personnel from federal, state, and local levels to ensure the implementation of a comprehensive security plan.