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Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
'This would make great TV': How Donald Trump got the parade he wanted
In June 2024, Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George and his aides were at a Virginia military base where the service was putting on one of its live-action shows for kids and families. The event -- a decades-long tradition known as the "Twilight Tattoo" -- was a spectacle. Soldiers from ceremonial units reenact the history of the Army, complete with Revolutionary War garb, music, theatrical vignettes and military pageantry, all meant to serve as a kind of salute to Army soldiers and their families. George and his top communications adviser, Col. Dave Butler, were attending with several media executives, when one of them leaned over. "This would make great television," the executive said, according to Butler. MORE: Democrats slam military parade as Trump's multimillion-dollar 'birthday party' George and his staff had already been talking about how to celebrate the Army's 250th birthday. Maybe, they thought, the National Park Service would let them host one of their live-action shows on the National Mall, the officials thought. After President Donald Trump took office and the June 14 birthday was getting closer, the Army began to toss around more ideas. One idea was to add tanks or other iconic Army equipment to an exhibit parked on the National Mall where tourists could learn about the Army's history of fighting the nation's wars. MORE: Trump warns 'any' protesters at military parade will be 'met with heavy force' Butler said he doesn't remember who first broached the idea of turning the Army's show into a parade. But once the idea was floated, no one seemed to push back. By June, the Army had a plan of what they would include: 6,700 soldiers, 150 vehicles, including dozens of tanks, 50 aircraft flying overhead including World War II-era planes and high-tech weaponry like rocket launchers. Trump, a former media executive himself, seemed game to the idea. One official involved in the planning described it like "knocking on an unlocked door." "We wanted to reintroduce this nation's Army to the American people," Butler said. "To do that, we thought we needed to be in their living rooms and on their phones. We needed something that would catch the national eye." MORE: What to know about 'No Kings Day' protests across US to counter Trump's military parade As the Army prepares for its birthday parade in downtown Washington on Saturday, not everyone is on board. About 6 in 10 Americans say that Saturday's parade is "not a good use" of government money, according to a new poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. The White House has not released an estimate of the parade's cost, with only the Army's portion of moving troops and equipment expected to cost up to $45 million. Security is expected to add significantly to the price tag. Democrat Sen. Tammy Duckworth of Illinois, an Army veteran who deployed with the Illinois National Guard during the Iraq War, said the money would be better spent on helping troops pay for essentials like child care. "Donald Trump's birthday parade has nothing to do with celebrating the Army's 250th birthday -- it's to stroke his own ego and make taxpayers foot the bill," said Duckworth. Duckworth and other Trump critics also note a military parade is often associated with countries like Russia and North Korea, where dictators march its soldiers and equipment through their streets. Advocates are organizing protests in cities other than Washington -- dubbed the "No Kings" protests. MORE: Trump's military parade: What to know about the Army anniversary event Trump, who turns 79 on Saturday, said he wants a military parade to show how great the country is. The president first pushed the idea in 2017 after attending the Bastille Day parade and celebration in France, saying he wanted to "try and top it." That effort was canceled after price estimates topped $90 million. When asked Thursday what he hopes the public will remember about the American parade, Trump said, "How great our country is, very simple, and how strong our military is." "We have the strongest military in the world," he added. According to Army officials involved in the planning effort, including Butler, the White House helped the Army plan the birthday celebration as an event focused on the Army's service to the nation. There are no plans currently, for example, to sing the president happy birthday. The president also is not expected to speak, leaving much of the festivities to the soldiers. According to the schedule, Trump will watch the tanks and soldiers march down Constitution Avenue from a viewing stand near the White House. Toward the end of the event, he will receive a flag from a soldier who will parachute on to the White House Ellipse. After that, the president will give the oath of enlistment to some 250 soldiers. The event concludes with fireworks over the Tidal Basin. Still, there are some of Trump's fingerprints on the event. In the final days leading up to the event, the White House made an unusual request. Trump, they said, wanted the Air Force to bring its fighter jets to the Army's party. If weather allows, the Thunderbirds will now do a flyover. White House deputy press secretary Anna Kelly defended the move to let the Air Force participate in the Army's birthday parade. "The President wants the Army Birthday Parade to feature the strength, talent, and creativity of all our military servicemembers," she said in a statement. "The Thunderbirds flyover will inspire patriotism and awe for all who attend!" 'This would make great TV': How Donald Trump got the parade he wanted originally appeared on
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
This would make great TV': How Donald Trump got the parade he wanted
In June 2024, Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George and his aides were at a Virginia military base where the service was putting on one of its live-action shows for kids and families. The event -- a decades-long tradition known as the "Twilight Tattoo" -- was a spectacle. Soldiers from ceremonial units reenact the history of the Army, complete with Revolutionary War garb, music, theatrical vignettes and military pageantry, all meant to serve as a kind of salute to Army soldiers and their families. George and his top communications adviser, Col. Dave Butler, were attending with several media executives, when one of them leaned over. "This would make great television," the executive said, according to Butler. George and his staff had already been talking about how to celebrate the Army's 250th birthday. Maybe, they thought, the National Park Service would let them host one of their live-action shows on the National Mall, the officials thought. After President Donald Trump took office and the June 14 birthday was getting closer, the Army began to toss around more ideas. One idea was to add tanks or other iconic Army equipment to an exhibit parked on the National Mall where tourists could learn about the Army's history of fighting the nation's wars. Butler said he doesn't remember who first broached the idea of turning the Army's show into a parade. But once the idea was floated, no one seemed to push back. By June, the Army had a plan of what they would include: 6,700 soldiers, 150 vehicles, including dozens of tanks, 50 aircraft flying overhead including World War II-era planes and high-tech weaponry like rocket launchers. Trump, a former media executive himself, seemed game to the idea. One official involved in the planning described it like "knocking on an unlocked door." "We wanted to reintroduce this nation's Army to the American people," Butler said. "To do that, we thought we needed to be in their living rooms and on their phones. We needed something that would catch the national eye." Criticism over cost As the Army prepares for its birthday parade in downtown Washington on Saturday, not everyone is on board. About 6 in 10 Americans say that Saturday's parade is "not a good use" of government money, according to a new poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. The White House has not released an estimate of the parade's cost, with only the Army's portion of moving troops and equipment expected to cost up to $45 million. Security is expected to add significantly to the price tag. Democrat Sen. Tammy Duckworth of Illinois, an Army veteran who deployed with the Illinois National Guard during the Iraq War, said the money would be better spent on helping troops pay for essentials like child care. "Donald Trump's birthday parade has nothing to do with celebrating the Army's 250th birthday -- it's to stroke his own ego and make taxpayers foot the bill," said Duckworth. Duckworth and other Trump critics also note a military parade is often associated with countries like Russia and North Korea, where dictators march its soldiers and equipment through their streets. Advocates are organizing protests in cities other than Washington -- dubbed the "No Kings" protests. Trump, who turns 79 on Saturday, said he wants a military parade to show how great the country is. The president first pushed the idea in 2017 after attending the Bastille Day parade and celebration in France, saying he wanted to "try and top it." That effort was canceled after price estimates topped $90 million. When asked Thursday what he hopes the public will remember about the American parade, Trump said, "How great our country is, very simple, and how strong our military is." "We have the strongest military in the world," he added. According to Army officials involved in the planning effort, including Butler, the White House helped the Army plan the birthday celebration as an event focused on the Army's service to the nation. There are no plans currently, for example, to sing the president happy birthday. The president also is not expected to speak, leaving much of the festivities to the soldiers. According to the schedule, Trump will watch the tanks and soldiers march down Constitution Avenue from a viewing stand near the White House. Toward the end of the event, he will receive a flag from a soldier who will parachute on to the White House Ellipse. After that, the president will give the oath of enlistment to some 250 soldiers. The event concludes with fireworks over the Tidal Basin. Still, there are some of Trump's fingerprints on the event. In the final days leading up to the event, the White House made an unusual request. Trump, they said, wanted the Air Force to bring its fighter jets to the Army's party. If weather allows, the Thunderbirds will now do a flyover. White House deputy press secretary Anna Kelly defended the move to let the Air Force participate in the Army's birthday parade. "The President wants the Army Birthday Parade to feature the strength, talent, and creativity of all our military servicemembers," she said in a statement. "The Thunderbirds flyover will inspire patriotism and awe for all who attend!"
Scottish Sun
5 hours ago
- Politics
- Scottish Sun
Battle tanks, 7,000 troops & WW2 planes … spotters guide to Trump's £30m birthday bash with 18-mile ring of steel
For years the president is said to have had his eyes on a full-blown military show, but has failed to put up a working plan - until now DON STOP ME NOW Battle tanks, 7,000 troops & WW2 planes … spotters guide to Trump's £30m birthday bash with 18-mile ring of steel THOUSANDS of US troops flanked by battle tanks and advanced stealth jets will march on the streets as President Donald Trump kicks off a grand military parade - on his birthday. Patriotic tunes will fill the air in Washington DC as the commander in chief turns 79 - with the grand military spectacle set to commemorate the US Army's 250th anniversary. 12 Soldiers dressed in Revolutionary war-era uniforms charge during the US Army's Twilight Tattoo event Credit: AFP 12 Soldiers from the Marine Corps, lined up at the Veterans Day Parade in NYC 12 A Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter to be used in the US Army's 250th Birthday Celebration is seen near the US Capitol Credit: Reuters 12 US soldiers stand beside IAV Stryker armoured vehicles that are staged ahead of a 14 June military parade in Washington, DC Credit: EPA 12 The main stage for the US Army's 250th birthday celebration parade Credit: AFP 12 Trump turns 79 today Credit: AP The grandiose military parade will showcase soldiers, sailors, airmen and US Marines marching in their uniforms in front of thousands of spectators. As many as 7,000 troops and seven band contingents have reportedly been called to participate in the show. They will be accompanied by at least 150 military vehicles and some 50 aircraft. Some 2,000 civilians could also take march alongside the US military. READ MORE ON TRUMP ELON ROW Trump says he 'wasn't happy' with Elon Musk & reveals moment X boss turned on him And the whole celebration will be enclosed with an 18 mile ring of steel to protect the parade. Drones and a small army of cops will be on hand to keep order - with there expected to be protests across the country as part of "No Kings" day, a series of anti-Trump rallies by people objecting to the parade. It comes after a week of unrest in many cities - with anti-immigration raid riots in LA and protests against ICE across the US. June 14 this year marks the 250th anniversary of the US Army, also known as Army Day. The day also coincides with Trump's 79th birthday. To celebrate both things in style, Trump planned to throw a military parade to showcase America's might. French President Emmanuel Macron joins 3,700 members of the military in Paris to mark Bastille Day, with guest Donald Trump For years, the president is said to have had his eyes on a full-blown military show, but has failed to put up a working plan - until now. Plans are to roll down battle tanks, massive military equipment, and aircraft and missiles, just as Trump first envisioned the parade during his first term. The president, who is expected to give a speech during the parade, has pitched the occasion as a way to celebrate US power and service members' sacrifice. The parade will also showcase antics from different eras of the Army's history, right from the Revolutionary War in 1775 to the modern developments of the US Army. Contingent members are expected to wear corresponding uniforms and carry equipment respectively. Among the military equipment set to be flaunted are 26 M1A1 Abrams tanks, 27 Bradley Fighting Vehicles, two World War II Sherman tanks, a World War I-era Renault tank, eight CH-47 helicopters, 16 UH-60 Black Hawks and four WWII-era P-51 aircraft. While US officials have yet to release the cost of the planned parade, the figure is expected to reach up to a whopping $45million. This includes the cost of transporting all the military equipment across Washington and putting up safety measures for the public expected to gather at the parade. Army spokesman Col. Dave Butler said that the Army is excited about the plans for its anniversary. He added: 'We want to make it into an event that the entire nation can celebrate with us. 'We want Americans to know their Army and their soldiers. 12 12 12 A US soldier works atop an Abrams tank that is staged in West Potomac Park ahead of a 14 June military parade Credit: EPA 12 Tanks rest on the back of a rail car before being used for the parade Credit: AFP 12 US Army soldiers on top of an M1 Abrams tank during a media preview of the Army's Parade Credit: AFP 12 A US Park Police officer poses for a photograph next to a Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter to be used in the US Army's 250th Birthday Celebration Credit: Reuters "A parade might become part of that, and we think that will be an excellent addition to what we already have planned.' Trump appeared to tease the grand plan last month in a post on Truth Social, where he wrote: "We are going to start celebrating our victories again!' He also vowed to rename May 8, now known as Victory in Europe Day, as 'Victory Day for World War II,' and to change November 11, Veterans Day, to 'Victory Day for World War I". Meanwhile, immigration rioters protesting against the Trump administration in LA could show up in Washington, experts fear. AMERICA'S 250th MAGA CELEBRATION By Sayan Bose, Foreign news reporter Trump is also planning a so-called Great American State Fair to celebrate the country's 250th birthday in 2026. Trump floated plans to showcase America's greatness in its true sense - packed in a year-long grand festival to mark the country's anniversary, dubbed the semiquincentennial, in a grand style that can be seen in the video above. Trump, who led his 2024 election campaign on the promise to make America great again, will take this opportunity to portray the country's might in the most patriotic way. It was just a year ago when he called all Americans to prepare for the Great American State Fair - a gigantic carnival of joy that would mark America's 250th birthday in true Trump fashion. Various contingents could take part in a grand parade in front of millions of people visiting the fair - and Trump could build a "National Garden of American Heroes' with statues of important figures in American history. This may include giant structures of George Washington, Neil Armstrong, and Muhammad Ali. Use our interactive map here to find out about what attractions could be at the mega MAGA event. But Trump warned protestors would be "met with very big force" if they attempted to sow chaos during the parade. He told reporters from the White House: "For those people that want to protest, they're going to be met with very big force." Law enforcement agencies are preparing for hundreds of thousands of people to attend Saturday's parade, US Secret Service Special Agent in Charge Matt McCool revealed. McCool said thousands of agents, officers and specialists will be deployed from law enforcement agencies across the country. Iran's foreign ministry has described further discussions as "meaningless", after Israeli attacks on the country. In comments carried by state television, spokesman Esmail Baghaei said: "The US did a job that made the talks become meaningless." However, he stopped short of ruling out the talks. The Mizan news agency, run by Iran's judiciary, quoted him as saying it is still "not clear what we decide about Sunday talks".
The Irish Sun
5 hours ago
- Politics
- The Irish Sun
Battle tanks, 7,000 troops & WW2 planes … spotters guide to Trump's £30m birthday bash with 18-mile ring of steel
THOUSANDS of US troops flanked by battle tanks and advanced stealth jets will march on the streets as President Donald Trump kicks off a grand military parade - on his birthday. Patriotic tunes will fill the air in Washington DC as the commander in chief turns 79 - with the Army 's 250th anniversary. 12 Soldiers dressed in Revolutionary war-era uniforms charge during the US Army's Twilight Tattoo event Credit: AFP 12 Soldiers from the Marine Corps, lined up at the Veterans Day Parade in NYC 12 A Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter to be used in the US Army's 250th Birthday Celebration is seen near the US Capitol Credit: Reuters 12 US soldiers stand beside IAV Stryker armoured vehicles that are staged ahead of a 14 June military parade in Washington, DC Credit: EPA 12 The main stage for the US Army's 250th birthday celebration parade Credit: AFP 12 Trump turns 79 today Credit: AP The grandiose military parade will showcase As many as 7,000 troops and seven band contingents have reportedly been called to participate in the show. They will be accompanied by at least 150 military vehicles and some 50 aircraft. Some 2,000 civilians could also take march alongside the US military. READ MORE ON TRUMP And the whole celebration will be enclosed with an 18 mile ring of steel to protect the parade. Drones and a small army of cops will be on hand to keep order - with there expected to be protests across the country as part of "No Kings" day, a series of anti-Trump rallies by people objecting to the parade. It comes after a week of unrest in many cities - with June 14 this year marks the 250th anniversary of the US Army, also known as Army Day. Most read in The US Sun The day also coincides with Trump 's 79th birthday. To celebrate both things in style, Trump planned to throw a military parade to showcase America's might. French President Emmanuel Macron joins 3,700 members of the military in Paris to mark Bastille Day, with guest Donald Trump For years, the president is said to have had his eyes on a full-blown military show, but has failed to put up a working plan - until now. Plans are to roll down battle tanks, massive military equipment, and aircraft and missiles, just as Trump first envisioned the parade during his first term. The president, who is expected to give a speech during the parade, has pitched the occasion as a way to celebrate US power and service members' sacrifice. The parade will also showcase antics from different eras of the Army's history, right from the Revolutionary War in 1775 to the modern developments of the US Army. Contingent members are expected to wear corresponding uniforms and carry equipment respectively. Among the military equipment set to be flaunted are 26 M1A1 Abrams tanks, 27 Bradley Fighting Vehicles, two World War II Sherman tanks, a World War I-era Renault tank, eight CH-47 helicopters, 16 UH-60 Black Hawks and four WWII-era P-51 aircraft. While US officials have yet to release the cost of the planned parade, the figure is expected to reach up to a whopping $45million. This includes the cost of transporting all the military equipment across Washington and putting up safety measures for the public expected to gather at the parade. Army spokesman Col. Dave Butler said that the Army is excited about the plans for its anniversary. He added: 'We want to make it into an event that the entire nation can celebrate with us. 'We want Americans to know their Army and their soldiers. 12 12 12 A US soldier works atop an Abrams tank that is staged in West Potomac Park ahead of a 14 June military parade Credit: EPA 12 Tanks rest on the back of a rail car before being used for the parade Credit: AFP 12 US Army soldiers on top of an M1 Abrams tank during a media preview of the Army's Parade Credit: AFP 12 A US Park Police officer poses for a photograph next to a Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter to be used in the US Army's 250th Birthday Celebration Credit: Reuters "A parade might become part of that, and we think that will be an excellent addition to what we already have planned.' Trump appeared to tease the grand plan last month in a post on Truth Social, where he wrote: "We are going to start celebrating our victories again!' He also vowed to rename May 8, now known as Victory in Europe Day, as 'Victory Day for World War II,' and to change November 11, Veterans Day, to 'Victory Day for World War I". Meanwhile, immigration rioters protesting against the Trump administration in LA could show up in Washington, experts fear. AMERICA'S 250th MAGA CELEBRATION By Sayan Bose, Foreign news reporter Trump is also planning a Trump floated plans to showcase America's greatness in its true sense - packed in a year-long grand festival to mark the country's anniversary, dubbed the semiquincentennial, in a grand style that can be seen in the video above. Trump, who led his 2024 election campaign on the promise to make America great again, will take this opportunity to portray the country's might in the most patriotic way. It was just a year ago when he called all Americans to prepare for the Great American State Fair - a gigantic carnival of joy that would mark America's 250th birthday in true Trump fashion. Various contingents could take part in a grand parade in front of millions of people visiting the fair - and Trump could build a "National Garden of American Heroes' with statues of important figures in American history. This may include giant structures of George Washington, Neil Armstrong, and Muhammad Ali. Use our But Trump warned protestors would be "met with very big force" if they attempted to sow chaos during the parade. He told reporters from the White House: "For those people that want to protest, they're going to be met with very big force." Law enforcement agencies are preparing for hundreds of thousands of people to attend Saturday's parade, US Secret Service Special Agent in Charge Matt McCool revealed. McCool said thousands of agents, officers and specialists will be deployed from law enforcement agencies across the country. Iran's foreign ministry has described further discussions as "meaningless", after Israeli attacks on the country. In comments carried by state television, spokesman Esmail Baghaei said: "The US did a job that made the talks become meaningless." However, he stopped short of ruling out the talks. The Mizan news agency, run by Iran's judiciary, quoted him as saying it is still "not clear what we decide about Sunday talks".
USA Today
a day ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Wool coats and 19th century hats: See costumes soldiers will wear at big Army parade
Wool coats and 19th century hats: See costumes soldiers will wear at big Army parade Of the 7,000 soldiers from bases around the world that will appear in the parade, around a thousand will don historical costumes from some of the U.S.'s major wars. Show Caption Hide Caption Armored tanks arrive in DC for Trump's military birthday parade As Washington, D.C. prepares for the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army, armored tanks have begun to arrive ahead of Saturday's celebration. Soldiers are buttoning up 19th century frock coats, slipping into suspenders, and donning tri-corner hats to march in the Army's 250th anniversary parade on June 14. "It's a little warm and a little hot, but we get used to it," said Jay Healy, a staff sergeant who will march in the parade, of his costume – a black and white tri-corner hat and red and blue wool jacket replete with silver buttons. Of the 7,000 soldiers from bases around the world that will appear in the parade, around a thousand will don historical costumes from some of the U.S.'s major conflicts – the Revolutionary War, Civil War, both world wars, Korea, Vietnam, and the Gulf War. The costumes will be provided by the Motion Picture Costume Company – a Los Angeles-based contractor. The company declined to comment to USA TODAY. With the weather set to hit a high of 83 degrees with a chance of thunderstorms, soldiers in heavy wool coats and thick pants are in for a few hours of baking heat. But many, including Healy, are already used to period attire from performing in the Army's Twilight Tattoo – weekly live performances open to the public from late May through July. The showcase includes short reenactments of some of the Army's major conflicts through history, acted out in brief and lively form by soldiers dressed in historical wear. Sound is used to full effect, with cannons on the sidelines firing off frequent volleys and soldiers spraying simulated shots as part of the battle scenes. The show also features a musical component, courtesy of several singers accompanied by the Army Blues, an Army jazz band. "It's a unique experience," said Cullen McDannold, a private first class, of the parade. McDannold will likely march in the World War II-era costume he wore for the Twilight Tattoo – head-to-toe Army green and a shoulder patch of the 101st Airborne Division's eagle crest. Tevin Gentry, a specialist, geared up for a June 11 Twilight Tattoo performance wearing a War of 1812 uniform including a high-collared, striped coat, white side-buttoned trousers, and a flat topped leather hat and satchel. "The jacket is heavy. The pants are very comfortable," Gentry said. As of that evening, Gentry hadn't yet learned if he'll be among of the soldiers tapped to march in the massive military parade through Washington, D.C.'s streets that weekend. If he does, he won't wear the elegant War of 1812 costume – the Army eliminated the War of 1812 and Spanish-American War from the parade after running into trouble with the costuming process. The July 11 show at Joint Base Myer–Henderson Hall, located just across the river in Virginia from where the parade will take place in Washington, D.C. within days, also had a special appearance from the Golden Knights – Army parachutists that will also sail down from the skies during the parade. The troupe's team leader will present President Donald Trump – whose 79th birthday is the day of the parade – with a folded flag. "It's exhilarating," said Sgt. Justin Drake, one of the Golden Knights that will parachuted in the Twilight Tattoo, and will also jump in the parade. "As you get about 2000 feet above, you can actually hear everyone screaming, and that motivates you to hit that small target." As the Twilight Tattoo wrapped up, groups of schoolchildren mobbed soldiers on the field, eager for a photo op holding the model weapons used for the performance. Standing in the sea of people, Private Jonathan Cole wore a Gulf War-era camouflage uniform and held a model machine gun. "It's pretty cool," said Cole of the parade. Cole learned he would be one of the soldiers to march roughly three weeks ago, but not outfitted in the relative comfort of the Gulf War costume. Instead, he'll either tout a musket as one of the "colonials" or will march with the War of 1812 group "with the funny hats." To Healy, his costume feels like "pajamas." Healy auditioned directly into the the Army's Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, a unique unit that reenacts military music of the period wearing uniforms dating back to around 1784, including powder-white wigs. "This is what they would have worn," said Healy of his costume. For Healy, who grew up in Lexington, Massachusetts, the birthplace of the American revolution, participating in the July 14 parade holds special significance. "Every single time I get to put this on... I always think about who wore this stuff before me, and it almost connects me back to them," he said.
