President Donald Trump’s extravagant festival and parade, commemorating the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army, is set to begin on Saturday morning, June 14, and will run late into the evening – regardless of the weather, according to the White House.
The Grand Military Parade for the 250th Birthday of the U.S. Army will wrap up a full day of festivities, featuring music, fireworks, and a fitness competition. This grand event also aligns with Trump’s 79th birthday.
“For two and a half centuries, the brave men and women of America’s Army have triumphed over our adversaries and safeguarded our freedoms at home,” Trump stated in a video shared on Truth Social in early June. “This parade honors our soldiers’ incredible strength and indomitable spirit. You definitely won’t want to miss it. Just make sure you catch this one. It’s going to be fantastic.”
Here’s everything you need to know about the 250th Birthday of the U.S. Army Grand Military Parade.
What are the parade and military festival celebrating?
The U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary is honored with a military parade and celebration. According to its organizers, America’s first national military force was established more than a year before the Declaration of Independence on June 14, 1775, when the Second Continental Congress agreed to create the Continental Army.
What time is the military parade?
The parade is 6:30-7:45 p.m. ET on Saturday, June 14.
What is the full military festival schedule?
Here’s a look at the full festival schedule*, per the U.S. Army:
- 8:15 a.m.: Wreath-laying ceremony hosted by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth at Arlington National Cemetery
- 9:30 a.m. to noon: Fitness competition and awards ceremony
- 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.: Music and entertainment provided by the U.S. Army Band, Latin Music Ensemble, DJ Nyla and U.S. Army Drill Teams
- 12:30-1 p.m. ET: Noah Hicks performance on main stage
- 1-2 p.m.: NFL “Skills and Drills” event
- 1:30-1:45 p.m.: Medal of Honors recipients recognition
- 2-2:50 p.m.: Scott Hastings performance on main stage
- 2:45-3 p.m.: Army Astronaut Special Presention
- 4:15-5 p.m.: 250th Army Birthday Festival official ceremony with cake cutting
- 6:30 p.m.: Parade begins
- 7:45-8 p.m.: Enlistment ceremony, concert at the Ellipse and fireworks
*The times listed in the above schedule are in eastern time.
What is the route for the military parade?
The parade is set to occur along Constitution Avenue NW, beginning at the intersection of Constitution Avenue NW and 23rd Street, and concluding at 15th Street next to the National Mall, close to the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
According to organizers, the NW entrance of the Smithsonian Metro Station will be closed, but the SW entrance will remain open.
Is attendance at the military parade free?
Yes, it is free to attend the military parade.
Do you have to have tickets to go to the military parade?
No tickets are necessary, but individuals who sign up on the U.S. Army event website might secure a better vantage point for the procession. Those wishing to attend must submit their full name, phone number, email, and address. Each phone number is allowed a maximum of two RSVPs.
How to watch military parade from home
The military parade will be shown live on USA TODAY’s YouTube channel.
There is an extensive list of TV broadcast plans, including those for CNN, NBC, and Fox News.
What is the estimated cost of hosting the festival and parade?
Initially, officials projected that the Army Birthday Festival and parade would cost between $25 million and $45 million. However, the Army’s most recent estimate has set the total at $40 million, as reported by USA TODAY’s Tom Vanden Brook, referencing a Defense official who was not permitted to comment publicly.
Will the military parade be canceled if it rains?
Trump has stated that the parade on Saturday will proceed, regardless of the weather, even though the National Weather Service’s forecast, as of Friday afternoon, indicated a 60% chance of rain.
“I hope the weather is fine, but if it isn’t, that can actually bring you good luck, and that’s perfectly fine too,” Trump remarked on June 12, during the congressional picnic at the White House. “It doesn’t matter. The weather doesn’t impact the tanks at all, nor does it affect the soldiers. They are accustomed to it. They are resilient. Intelligent.”
When was the most recent military parade?
The last significant military parade, known as the National Victory Celebration, took place on June 8, 1991, to commemorate the conclusion of the Gulf War.
