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Preps underway for military parade; protests planned
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Next Saturday, Washington, D.C. will be transformed for a military parade years in the making.
Metal plates installed along the streets of the National Mall will allow for a procession of tanks, combat vehicles and thousands of soldiers — all a part of President Donald Trump's vision for a grand showcase.
The parade was originally an event Trump had tried to pull off during his first term as president.
Military parade to celebrate the Army's 250th anniversary will be held on Trump's birthday
The chosen date of June 14 marks the 250th anniversary of the Army's founding. It's also President Trump's 79th birthday.
The spectacle begins at 6 p.m. and costs between $25 million and $45 million. The army says they expect as many as 200,000 people to attend.
Here's what to expect at the Army's 250th anniversary parade on Trump's birthday
To wrap up the parade, the Army is preparing its Golden Knights parachute team to jump over the White House, landing near Trump to present him with a folded flag, followed by the swearing in of 250 new recruits to the Army.
Army leaders defend parade and border spending as Congress presses for answers
With this event comes protests.
The No Kings Movement has all over the country, including West Michigan.
In Grand Rapids, the 'Democracy over Dictatorship' march will happen from noon to 2 p.m. In Kalamazoo, a 'No Kings' rally will be held at the same time at 433 Drake Road. Muskegon will host a rally as well at Heritage Landing from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
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