Parade to celebrate 250 years of U.S. Army, rain or shine

The massive military parade to celebrate the U.S. Army's 250th birthday is set to step off from the Lincoln Memorial on Saturday evening, with tanks, bands and thousands of troops.

Falling on Flag Day and the president's 79th birthday, the parade was added just a few weeks ago to the Army’s anniversary celebration. 

The parade will wind down Constitution Avenue, which is already lined with security fencing and barriers. Army helicopters and aircraft will fly above, and the march will be capped off by a parachute jump, a concert featuring “God Bless the U.S.A.” singer Lee Greenwood and fireworks.

With rain expected, there is a chance the parade could be interrupted by thunderstorms. White House spokesperson Anna Kelly has said the march will go on rain or shine. But it could be delayed if there is lightning, with authorities quick to empty the expansive National Mall if it happens during major events.

The parade fulfills Trump’s expressed desire for a big parade that he tried to get done in his first presidential term after seeing one in France on Bastille Day in 2017. 

The Army expects as many as 200,000 people could attend the festival and parade. The festival will begin around 8:30 a.m. and feature fitness competitions, demonstrations, equipment displays, music and a cake-cutting ceremony.

The parade has drawn criticism for its price tag of up to $45 million and the possibility that the lumbering tanks could tear up city streets. The Army has taken a variety of steps to protect the streets, including laying metal plates down along the route.



(AP Photo Jacquelyn Martin)