Tanks, helicopters, soldiers: First details of Trump parade announced

June 14 marks the 250th anniversary of the founding of the U.S. Army. President Trump also celebrates his 79th birthday on that day. A large military parade is planned in Washington to mark the occasion. The Army is now providing details on the schedule.

Tanks, dozens of attack helicopters, and paratroopers: The U.S. Army has announced details of a large military parade in Washington on President Donald Trump's birthday. The parade, officially marking the 250th anniversary of the founding of the U.S. Army on the day of Trump's 79th birthday on June 14, will feature nearly 90 tanks and other armored vehicles, according to Army spokesman Steve Warren.

In addition, more than 50 combat helicopters are scheduled to fly over the parade route in the US capital. At the end of the parade, paratroopers will land in front of Trump and present him with a US flag. A day-long celebration on the National Mall and a fireworks display are also planned. Warren estimated the total cost of the celebration at between $25 million and $45 million (€22 million and €40 million).

During his first term in office, Trump attended the large Paris military parade on Bastille Day on July 14, 2017, at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron. He was so impressed that he expressed a desire for a similar spectacle.

For the US Independence Day on July 4, 2019, Trump organized a military air show in the capital, Washington, with great pomp. Unlike in Paris, however, there were no tanks rolling through the streets, nor were there any soldiers marching in the streets. The Pentagon called the costs too high at the time – partly because tank tracks caused extensive damage to the roads. Regarding road damage, an Army official said on Wednesday that metal plates would be placed over the asphalt for protection at particularly vulnerable sections of road.

The fact that the parade is taking place on Trump's birthday is causing controversy in the US. Critics have already announced demonstrations. The last major military parade in Washington was held in 1991 at the end of the Gulf War.