DONALD Trump is set to kick off a massive military parade in Washington today to celebrate the US Army’s 250th anniversary – on his birthday.
Excited spectators have begun to converge for the historic military parade, featuring thousands of troops, battle tanks, and World War Two planes marching through the streets.
Patriotic music will echo through Washington DC as the commander in chief celebrates turning 79, with the impressive military display marking the US Army’s 250th anniversary.
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.
The Army expects as many as 200,000 people could attend the festival and parade.
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.
The event will showcase battle tanks, large military equipment, aircraft, and missiles, reflecting the parade vision originally proposed by Trump during his first term.
Among the military equipment set to be flaunted are M1A1 Abrams tanks, Bradley Fighting Vehicles, World War II Sherman tanks and four WWII-era P-51 aircraft.Â
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.
Stay up to date with the latest on the parade with The Sun’s live blog below…
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Spotter’s guide to Trump’s military parade
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.
The Army expects as many as 200,000 people could attend the festival and parade.
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.
Credit: AFP Credit: Reuters Credit: AFP -
Why is Trump holding a parade today?
The massive military parade that President Donald Trump has long wanted is set to step off from the Lincoln Memorial on Saturday evening, with tanks, bands and thousands of troops.
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.
Credit: The Mega Agency
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Crowds begin to come in for the parade
Credit: Reuters Credit: Reuters Credit: Reuters Credit: Reuters
