Armored Tanks arrive in DC for Trump’s military birthday parade
Armored tanks have begun arriving ahead of Saturday’s celebrations as Washington, DC prepares for the 250th anniversary of the US Army.
June 14th marks a day of patriotism for multiple reasons, combining Flag Day with President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday.
But one of these reasons isn’t the all-day festival filled with musical performances, fireworks and a grand parade taking over Washington, D.C. on Saturday. Trump and thousands of soldiers gather in uniforms to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the US military.
“The event is designed to showcase the Army’s modern capabilities as well as inspire a new generation to embrace the service, resilience and leadership that defines America,” according to a May 21 statement on the event organizer’s website. “The parade traces the evolution of the army from the Revolutionary War into the US military tomorrow.”
During his first White House term, Trump intended to host a military parade to commemorate the 100th anniversary of World War I. However, the plan was eventually scrapped after DC officials expressed concerns about costs and logistics.
Around 1,800 protests and demonstrations are scheduled nationwide as part of the “No Kings Day” movement while DC celebrates. Organizers have accused Trump of turning patriotic celebrations into an informal birthday party and viewing the rally as a way to denounce critics calling the president’s recent “authoritarian” actions.
Things you need to know about celebrations.
What does the parade celebrate?
The parade is on the same day as the president’s 79th birthday, but the event organizers and administrative authorities say it’s just to celebrate the US military.
Vince Haley, director of the White House Domestic Policy Council, said Trump is planning a “historic celebration of the Army’s 250th birthday.”
“As one of the first events of the year-long celebration of the 250th anniversary, this commemorative parade is a fitting respect for the service, sacrifice and selflessness of brave men and women to defend Liberty’s greatest experiment known to humans,” he said.
What day will the parade be held on June 14th?
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.
Trump is scheduled to celebrate the 250-year US military celebration, organizers added that other statements and many celebratory events are expected to focus on the various achievements and legacy of the chapter. But the Navy, celebrating its 250th anniversary in October, has no plans for a similar parade, a spokesman told USA Today, not the 250th Marine in November.
Why is there a protest?
The “No Kings” protest aims to regain American flag and American patriotism from the Republicans and to condemn what organizers have called Trump’s recent “authoritarian” actions.
“250 years ago, the Continental Army was formed to fight the king, and then the Americans came out and said, “No, wait, this is not something America represents. We didn’t sign up to make this guy focus on his hands.
Contributions: Cybele Mayes-Osterman, Tom Vanden Brook, Amaris Encinas, USA Today.