President Donald Trump’s multi-million dollar festival and parade begins on the morning of Saturday, June 14th and continues into the evening – rain or glow.
The 250th birthday of the US Army Grand Military Parade concludes the day’s festival filled with music, fireworks and fitness competitions. The glamour and circumstances coincided with Trump’s 79th birthday.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h2cspovzong
“For two and a half centuries, men and women in the US have been controlling the enemy and protecting freedom at home,” Trump said in a video posted to Strut Social in early June. “This parade pays homage to the incredible strength and invincible spirit of our soldiers. You don’t want to miss it. Don’t miss this. That’s a good thing.”
This is what you need to know about the 250th birthday of the US Army Grand Military Parade.
What military festivals celebrate the parade?
The military parades and festivals celebrate the 250th anniversary of the US military. On June 14, 1775, the Second Continental Congress voted to establish the Continental Army, and organizers said it marked the creation of America’s first national military force more than a year before the Declaration of Independence.
What time is the military parade?
The parade will be on Saturday, June 14th from 6:30pm to 7:45pm.
What is the schedule for the complete military festival?
For each US Army, see the full festival schedule*.
- 8:15am: Wreath Innovation Ceremony hosted by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegses at Arlington National Cemetery
- 9:30am to noon: Fitness competition and awards ceremony
- 11am to 1:30pm: Music and entertainment provided by US Army Bands, Latin Music Ensemble, DJ Nira and US Army Drill Teams
- 12:30pm; Noah Hicks performance on the main stage
- 1-2pm: NFL “Skills and Drills” Event
- 1:30-1:45 PM: Medal of Honors Recipient Recognition
- 2-2:50 PM: Scott Hastings performance on the main stage
- 2:45-3 PM: Special governance of the Army Astronauts
- 4:15-5 PM: Official 250th Anniversary Birthday Festival Ceremony with Cake Cut
- 6:30pm: The parade begins
- 7:45-8 PM: Entry ceremony, concert with ovals and fireworks
*The times listed in the schedule above are Eastern times.
What is the military parade route?
The parade begins at NW Constitutional Avenue NW and 23rd Avenue and ends at 15th Avenue along the National Mall, near the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and takes place along Constitutional Avenue NW.
It is located next to the entrance to Smithsonian Metro Station NW and will be closed, organizers say, but the entrance to Smithsonian Metro Station SW is open.
Is there any free participation in the Millary Parade?
Yes, the military parade is free.
Do I need a ticket to participate in the military parade?
No tickets are required, but those who register on the US Army Events website may have a good view of the queue. Future participants must provide their full name, phone number, email and address. Participants are limited to two RSVPs per phone number. To learn more or to learn RSVP, visit events.America250.org/events/250th-Anniversary-of-the-us-army-military-parade-and-celebration.
Which roads will be closed during the military parade?
A full list of road closures is available here.
How to watch the military parade from home
USA Today streams military parades on its YouTube channel. The live stream is also at the top of the story.
A complete summary of TV broadcast plans including CNN, NBC and Fox News can be found here.
How much does a festival or parade cost?
Officials initially estimated the Army’s birthday festival and parades ranged between $25 million and $45 million, but as reported previously, the Army’s latest estimate was $40 million.
Will the military parade be cancelled when it rains?
Trump said Saturday’s parade would continue to rain or shine, despite a Friday afternoon forecast of the National Weather Service showing a 60% rain chain.
“I hope the weather is fine, but if it doesn’t, it brings you good fortune, and that’s fine too,” Trump said on June 12 during a Congressional picnic at the White House. “That doesn’t matter. It doesn’t affect tanks at all. It doesn’t affect soldiers. They’re used to it. They’re tough. They’re smart.”
When was the last military parade?
The final major military parade, the National Victory Celebration, was held on June 8, 1991 to celebrate the end of the Gulf War.
Amaris and Fernando Cervantes Jr., US TOD
Gretacross is a national trend reporter for USA Today. Story ideas? Please email her gcross@usatoday.com.
Kathryn Palmer is a national trending news reporter for USA Today. You can contact herkapalmer@usatoday.com And with x @Kathrynplmr.
This story has been updated to add videos.