The Army is planning a massive military parade with nearly 7,000 soldiers to celebrate its 250th anniversary on Flag Day, which is also President Donald Trump’s birthday.
The plan calls for 6,685 soldiers, 152 vehicles, 50 aircraft, seven bands and potentially thousands of civilian onlookers. The pricey event would roll past a reviewing stand for Trump near the White House and would include a heavy tank battalion, armored fighting vehicles, Humvees and Howitzer canons, with most having to be brought in by train or flown in, according to documents reviewed by USA TODAY.
While some equipment and troops were already included in the Army’s birthday celebration at the National Mall, a parade was not part of the initial plans. The Army appears on-board with adding a parade, which according to a U.S. official was an idea pushed by the White House.
Here’s when Trump’s birthday is, Flag Day and when the military parade is planned, as well as the costs associated.
President Donald Trump’s birthday is June 14, 1946. He will be 79 this year. His birthday is on Flag Day, which commemorates the date in 1777 when the U.S. approved the design for the national flag. The date this year also falls on the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army.
An early estimate places the cost of the parade and static displays in D.C. at $45 million, according to NBC, who cited two defense officials. That could change as the plans still evolve.
Costs would also include the movement of military vehicles, equipment, aircraft and troops from across the country to Washington, D.C. and the need to feed and house thousands of soldiers.
Individual Army units would bear the cost of the parade, according to NBC, citing three officials. In some cases, units would have to spend more than $1 million to participate.
Lori Comstock is a New Jersey-based journalist with the Mid-Atlantic Connect Team.
When is Trump's birthday? Here's when, how he plans to celebrate with Army birthday parade – Bergen Record
