US: Grand Military Parade Planned for Trump’s Birthday and Army Anniversary on June 14

Donald Trump was impressed when he attended the military parade in Paris on July 14th during his first year as U.S. President. Ever since, he had envisioned organizing a similar spectacle—a grandiose display tailored specifically to his liking. This year, his vision is becoming a reality, set to take place on June 14th, coinciding with his 79th birthday. The event will also celebrate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the U.S. Armed Forces. According to reports confirmed by official documents and military insiders, the parade will feature approximately 6,500 troops, around 150 vehicles, and 50 aircraft. The procession will occur at Washington D.C.’s National Mall. While various branches of the armed forces have been preparing for this event, questions remain regarding whether the initiative originated from the White House or the Pentagon itself. Despite these uncertainties, the White House has acknowledged that Trump plans to host a military parade honoring veterans and active service members, though further details remain undisclosed. The cost of the celebration is yet unclear. This marks a long-standing aspiration of Trump’s, dating back to his first term, inspired by the impressive French Bastille Day parade he witnessed alongside President Emmanuel Macron. Although scaled-down versions of military parades have occurred previously, such as the July 4th, 2019 event showcasing tanks and vehicles, large-scale military parades are rare in the United States compared to other nations where they symbolize victory or military strength. A notable exception occurred in 1991 when thousands of troops marched through Washington D.C. to celebrate the expulsion of Saddam Hussein’s forces from Kuwait during the Gulf War.