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Tourists excited for Army's 250th anniversary parade, celebrations
WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — The National Mall is surrounded by fencing blocking off the parade route down Constitution Avenue. It's all for the Army's 250th anniversary celebrations.
According to the updated permit granted by the National Park Service, there are estimated to be 50,000 people showing up for the festivities. That's down from the initial estimate of 200,000. Still, those already in town are excited.
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Barriers are up on the grounds of the Washington Monument and construction crews spent Friday afternoon finalizing staircases and platforms for viewing.
'I've never seen a military parade, so it'll be interesting to me. I've been involved in the fire department, been involved in fire department parades, but nothing like this,' said Chris Gerace, visiting from New Jersey.
People from across the country are in town to get a glimpse of America's military might.
6,600 soldiers and more than 150 vehicles are expected in the parade.
'Seeing all the tanks, and we just walked by, there was a helicopter right over there. So just seeing all the military presence and what they do for our country, so honoring them,' said Clifford Reynolds, visiting from Norfolk, Va.
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Some are in D.C. to see their family in the parade.
'Our son-in-law's in the Army, so he's gonna be marching in the parade,' said Jesse Burris of Knoxville, Tn. 'And our daughter was coming, so we thought we'd join up with her, and we're just looking forward to being part of history. Something you don't get to see all the time.'
Bad weather is a concern for the tens of thousands of people expected to attend. But many aren't too worried.
'We expect rain, yeah, but at least it will be cooler, maybe,' Burris said.
'It is what it is. We have ponchos so we're prepared,' Gerace said.
Rain or shine, people supporting the Army say they're excited to be in D.C.
There are 18 miles of fencing downtown and only two entrances if you're looking to view the parade. Those are at 14th Street between Madison and Jefferson and C Street between 18th and 19th.
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