US Army’s 250th Anniversary Grand Military Parade and Celebration on June 14

Daily News Article — Posted on May 29, 2025

[Summer News Article – Please note, regular Daily News Articles have ended for the school year.]

(from America250) – On June 14, 2025 – the U.S. Army’s 250th birthday – the nation will honor its legacy with a grand military parade in Washington, D.C. President Donald Trump will join veterans, active-duty troops, wounded warriors, Gold Star Families, and Patriotic Americans from across the country to celebrate our heroes who have protected our country through strength and selflessness. Tickets for the Parade and Celebration are available through America250’s event registration portal.

This historic event will commemorate the legacy and enduring strength of the U.S. Army, while looking boldly toward the next 250 years of American patriotism and technological advancement. The event is designed not only to showcase the Army’s modern capabilities but also to inspire a new generation to embrace the spirit of service, resilience, and leadership that defines the United States.

The parade will trace the Army’s evolution from the Revolutionary War through to the U.S. Army of Tomorrow. Attendees will experience 250 years of Army heritage through historical U.S. Army personnel reenactors, period-accurate equipment, vehicles, impressive flyovers, and military bands participating in this landmark event.

The central theme for this year’s celebration is “This We’ll Defend.”

“As we prepare for our future, we also reflect on our past,” said Gen. Randy George, Chief of Staff of the Army. “‘This we’ll defend’ was first used as a battle cry by the Continental Army. Today it reminds us that our Army’s purpose is clear: to fight and win the nation’s wars. We remain committed to honing our warfighting skills, enforcing standards and discipline, and living the values that have defined our Army culture for the past 250 years.”

“For 250 years, Soldiers have proudly served our country and protected its people, with our oath to support and defend the Constitution as our guiding principle,” said Sgt. Maj. of the Army Michael R. Weimer. “We continue to stand ready to respond to the needs of the nation, and to fight and win when called upon. This we’ll defend!”

On June 14, 1775, the Second Continental Congress voted to establish the Continental Army. This action marked the creation of America’s first national military force, more than a year before the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

For 250 years, the United States Army has played a vital role in defending America. From the Revolutionary War to the present day, Americans have served selflessly – many sacrificing their lives – in defense of the country. Our service members’ courage, loyalty, and dedication have inspired generations. At the same time, Army-led innovations and breakthroughs–from radar and the internet to everyday items like wireless communications – have advanced our national security, transformed global commerce, and propelled America’s economic competitiveness.

The June 14 parade and celebration will be one of the first events to kick off a yearlong celebration of the nation’s 250th anniversary.

President Trump is scheduled to deliver remarks during the festivities celebrating 250 Years of the U.S. Army’s exceptional service, significant achievements, and enduring legacy.

Date and Time: Saturday, June 14, 2025, 6:30 PM EDT – 9:30PM EDT

Location: The parade will take place in Washington DC on Constitution Ave NW between 15th Street and 23rd Street.

Timeline of Events:

8:00 AM: Guest Entry for Army Fitness Competition and Festival
2:00 PM: Guest Entry
6:30 PM: Parade & Celebration Begins
9:30 PM: Event Concludes

Due to security screening requirements, please plan to arrive early.

Public RSVP:

Questions

NOTE: Before answering the questions, read the "Background" and watch the videos under "Resources" below.

1. What is the purpose of the parade and festivities to be held on June 14?

2. Who will attend the parade?

3. What will be included in the parade?

4. When was the U.S. Army established?

5. In addition to the establishment of the U.S. Army, what does the U.S. recognize nationwide on June 14?

6. Most news reports focus on the fact that "President Trump is holding a military parade on his birthday" - most reports are also critical of the cost of the parade. The president's supporters note that Trump's birthday just happens to fall on the same day as the Army's founding. Also, there is evidence that donors are contributing to the U.S. Army’s 250th parade.
Do you think holding a parade and events honoring our U.S. Army's 250th anniversary is good for our nation? Explain your answer.

Background

June 14, Washington D.C.:

The Army Birthday Wreath Laying at Arlington National Cemetery will take place at 8:15 a.m.
The Army Fitness competition and awards will be held from 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
The Army Birthday Festival will be held from 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. at the National Mall. The festival will provide opportunities to interact with Soldiers, Army Astronauts, NFL representatives and Medal of Honor recipients, and to watch military demonstrations, explore equipment displays, participate in a cake cutting ceremony and take part in a variety of activities.
The Army Birthday Parade will be held from 6:30 - 7:45 p.m. to celebrate the Army’s history and will feature Army equipment, flyovers and 6,600 Soldiers in uniforms from the past and the present. The parade’s best viewing area will be south of Constitution Avenue. The day will end with an enlistment and re-enlistment ceremony, a parachute demonstration by the Golden Knights and a fireworks display on the Mall at 9:45 p.m.

Live music will be featured throughout the day. (from army.mil)

To commemorate the Army’s 250 years of service, participants will include:

Military Personnel: Approximately 6,600 soldiers from at least 11 corps and divisions nationwide will march in the parade. This includes:

Soldiers wearing period uniforms representing major U.S. conflicts, from the Revolutionary War to recent operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, with 60 soldiers per conflict in historical attire, followed by 400 soldiers in modern uniforms from the same base.
The United States Army Parachute Team, known as the "Golden Knights," who will perform a parachute jump over the White House, landing near the Ellipse to present an American flag to President Donald Trump.
250 new recruits and reenlisting service members who will be sworn in by President Trump at the event.
Col. Anne McClain, an Army astronaut, participating remotely from the International Space Station.

Vehicles and Equipment:

Around 150 military vehicles, including 28 M1 Abrams tanks, 28 Bradley Fighting Vehicles, 28 Stryker Armored Vehicles, four M109 Paladin self-propelled howitzers, M777 and M119 artillery pieces, Humvees, and Infantry Squad Vehicles. Heavy tracked vehicles like tanks will be stationed near the Lincoln Memorial to avoid damaging roads and will join the procession there.
Historical vehicles, such as Sherman tanks, to represent past eras.

Aircraft:

Over 50 aircraft, including CH-47 Chinook, UH-60 Black Hawk, AH-64 Apache, and AH-1 Cobra helicopters, as well as vintage aircraft like the B-25 Mitchell bomber and P-51 Mustang fighter, which will fly over the parade route in coordination with ground units representing different wars.

Animals: 34 horses, two mules, and one dog (name not specified) will participate, adding a ceremonial element to the parade.

Civilians and Other Groups:

Several thousand civilians, including historical reenactors, veterans’ groups, and representatives from military colleges, will join the parade.
Seven military bands will provide musical performances, with additional performances by country artists Noah Hicks and Scotty Hasting during the festival. (Grok)