The US Army’s 250th anniversary parade will feature tanks, aircraft, and thousands of soldiers, sparking concerns over potential street damage in DC, and the Army promises financial responsibility.
As previously reported, more than two dozen M1A1 Abrams main battle tanks (MBTs) and an equal number of M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) will roll through the streets of Washington, DC, next month as part of the United States Army’s 250th anniversary celebrations.
In total, 56 armored vehicles will be included in the parade on June 14, the same day as President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday.
Other vehicles could include the US Army’s Stryker and even World War II-era M4 Sherman tanks, while at least 50 aircraft are currently scheduled to fly over the city. According to ABC News, the parade will feature 34 horses, two mules, a wagon, and even a dog.
More than 7,500 soldiers will march through the capital, many in uniforms from various periods from every American conflict dating back to the Revolutionary War.
West Potomac Park will serve as the primary staging ground for the parade, traveling along Constitution Avenue and ending near the White House. Other vehicles will be staged at the Pentagon, cross the Arlington Memorial Bridge, and join the parade. The US Army Golden Knights demonstration parachute team will make a jump and land in the Ellipse.
“The parade will trace the Army’s evolution from the Revolutionary War to the US Army of Tomorrow,” America250 said in a press release.
“Attendees will experience 250 years of Army heritage through historical US Army personnel reenactors, period-accurate equipment, vehicles, impressive flyovers, and military bands participating in this landmark event.”
The parade is scheduled to begin at 6 PM local time and last around an hour and a half. Following the parade, the president will enlist and reenlist 250 recruits and soldiers at the White House.
Where Will the US Army Stay for the Parade?
US military personnel participating in the parade or other events will begin arriving on June 11. Around 3,000 will be housed in downtown DC on the unoccupied floors of a General Services Administration building, while an additional 2,000 will make the Agriculture Department building their temporary home. Showers will be made available in both buildings.
The soldiers will receive individual food rations for breakfast and lunch, and a hot meal for dinner.
In addition, those deployed to DC will receive an additional $69 to cover incidentals or other food options.
The US Army Is Responsible for Any Damages to Washington DC’s Streets
The price tag for the military parade, the first to be held in the nation’s capital since 1991’s victory celebrations marking the US victory in the Gulf War, is expected to exceed $45 million. That figure may not include any costs to repair Washington’s streets or roads in Maryland.
US Army officials have sought to mitigate damage by installing rubber treads on the Abrams MBTs and placing metal plates at least one inch thick on the roads where tanks must make sharp turns.
“We’re not expecting damage,” Col. Jesse Curry, executive officer to the US Army’s Chief of Engineers, told The Washington Post. “If there is any damage, the Army is responsible.”
Col. Chris Vitale, overseeing the parade and other celebrations related to the Army’s 250th anniversary, has said the service will be responsible for making it right should any damage occur to the streets or other infrastructure. Local officials have already expressed concerns and have said they won’t want to be on the hook.
“Military tanks on our streets would not be good,” said Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser during an April 7 news conference. “If military tanks were used, they should be accompanied by millions of dollars to repair the roads.”
It should be noted that large cities, including Detroit and Toronto, have routinely undertaken road repairs and improvements to host the respective Grand Prix races held in their downtowns. Those projects benefit locals after the races and are often funded through corporate sponsorships.
The large US defense contractors make tens or even hundreds of billions annually from the Pentagon, so perhaps someone should have “requested” that those companies pitch in by offering to pay for any necessary repairs to DC streets as an anniversary present to the US Army.
It would be a small gesture on the part of the various companies, but a massive win for cash-strapped DC.
About the Author: Peter Suciu
Peter Suciu has contributed over 3,200 published pieces to more than four dozen magazines and websites over a thirty-year career in journalism. He regularly writes about military hardware, firearms history, cybersecurity, politics, and international affairs. Peter is also a Contributing Writer for Forbes and Clearance Jobs. He is based in Michigan. You can follow him on Twitter: @PeterSuciu. You can email the author: [email protected].
Image Credit: Shutterstock/Phil Pasquini.
