Washington DC is rolling out the tanks this Saturday for a big military parade, to celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States Army. Come celebrate with us from the National Mall, the symbolic and physical heart of our capital. Don’t miss the excitement and pride of nearly 6,700 soldiers as they demonstrate the tremendous training they’ve undergone!
The party will be hosted by none other than President Donald Trump and feature an enlistment and reenlistment ceremony. As part of the parade, attendees can expect to see an array of armored vehicles, including M1A2 Abrams tanks, as well as helicopters such as Black Hawk, Chinook, and Apache flying overhead.
The day will begin with FIGHT FOR AIR CLIMB a unique, fitness challenge. After that, we’ll celebrate the Army’s milestone by welcoming that anniversary with an official cake cutting ceremony and celebration. The parade will be marching down Constitution Avenue Northwest. It will pass by the White House, making for an appropriate and visually-stunning backdrop to the celebration.
In preparation for the parade, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport will completely suspend flight operations. Dozens of other major thoroughfares throughout Washington DC will be closed for up to 4 days. Local residents and visitors are growing alarmed by these preparations. They’re especially concerned about the projected cost of the parade, from the $25 million to $45 million range.
Washington DC, home to a resident population of more than 700,000, will be seeing a huge surge as a result of this event. Eleanor Holmes Norton, the Democratic non-voting delegate representing the federal district in the House of Representatives, has expressed strong opposition. She’s really upset about the parade, though.
“President Trump’s longstanding wish to waste millions of taxpayer dollars for a performative military parade in the style of authoritarian leaders is finally coming true on his birthday,” – Eleanor Holmes Norton.
Norton further criticized the event’s purpose, stating that it primarily serves to bolster Trump’s image rather than celebrate the military in a meaningful way.
“Although this parade will feed President Trump’s ego and perhaps his base, it will not serve any legitimate purpose,” – Eleanor Holmes Norton.
President Trump has expressed hopeful expectations for the event. He says that balancing the criticism is an appreciation and understanding for what the military has accomplished.
“I think it’s time for us to celebrate a little bit. You know, we’ve had a lot of victories,” – Donald Trump.