From soldiers sleeping in D.C. offices to tanks and cannons, here's a play-by-play account of how Donald Trump's birthday parade will unfold next month
Washington Readies for Massive Military Parade
Army planning documents revealed that the military parade would feature dozens of tanks, warplanes in the sky and 7,500 soldiers housed in government office buildings downtown, reported USA Today.
In honour of the army's victory in the Gulf War, on June 8, 1991, thousands of troops along with tanks and other armoured vehicles paraded through Washington, according to the report.
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Now, there are speculations if the parade is a "celebration of the Army's storied heritage or a homage to Trump and the political movement he leads. Or both?" wrote USA Today.
As per the report, army officials explained that they have long planned a major celebration for their milestone anniversary.
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While, the director of the
White House Domestic Policy Council
, Vince Haley said that the US president is planning "an historic celebration of the Army's 250th birthday," quoted USA Today. However, his statement does not mention Trump's birthday, reported USA Today.
Haley highlighted that, "As one of the first events of the year-long celebration of our 250th anniversary, this commemorative parade will be a fitting tribute to the service, sacrifice, and selflessness of the brave men and women who have worn the uniform and devoted their lives to defending the greatest experiment in liberty known to man,' as quoted in the report.
Soldiers to Sleep in Office Buildings
The troops and their equipment will start arriving days before the parade from all over the nation and will be quartered in the Department of Agriculture building and a former government warehouse owned by the General Service Administration on Seventh Street, reported USA Today.
While, soldiers have been instructed to bring sleeping bags, each day's food will consist of two MREs (Meals Ready to Eat) and one hot meal, as well as $50 daily in special pay, as per the report.
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Parade Route and Presidential Presence
As per USA Today, there will be 120 vehicles, 24 Abrams tanks, 24 Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles, an armoured vehicle that has a similar design but is smaller than a tank and four Paladins, enormous self-propelled howitzer cannons.
Vintage warplanes like the World War II-era B-17 bomber and P-51 Mustang fighter will fly over the National Mall, according to the report. Later, newer planes will follow, including 50 Apache, Black Hawk and Chinook helicopters, as per USA Today.
The parade will march in front of Trump's viewing stand on Constitution Avenue just south of the White House at about 6 p.m., reported USA Today. Trump will oversee the enlistment and reenlistment of soldiers at the end of the parade, according to the report. The parade will conclude with fireworks at dusk.
FAQs
Why is there a military parade on June 14?
It celebrates the 250th anniversary of the US Army and coincidentally, Donald Trump's birthday.
Is this really for the Army or for Trump?
It's officially for the Army, but some say it's also a birthday celebration for Trump.
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