The U.S. Army has developed detailed proposals for a large-scale military parade on June 14, President Donald Trump’s birthday, featuring a display of military power that includes more than 6,600 troops, over 150 military vehicles, 50 helicopters, seven Army bands, and potentially thousands of civilians, according to documents reviewed by The Associated Press.
These internal planning files, dated April 29 and 30, have not yet been made public. They provide the Army’s latest draft for celebrating its 250th anniversary on the National Mall—an event that now may include a military parade, a vision long championed by Trump but still under discussion.
Coincidentally, the Army’s milestone falls on the same day as Trump’s 79th birthday, June 14.
Although the slides don’t specify a budget, a parade of this scale would require tens of millions of dollars to coordinate. Those expenses would cover transporting equipment, vehicles, personnel, and aircraft to Washington, as well as providing meals and lodging for thousands of service members.
Trump had pushed for a military parade during his presidency, but those efforts were shelved due to high costs. Officials are again raising concerns that heavy military hardware could damage the capital’s streets.
Army spokesman Steve Warren addressed the potential event on Thursday, saying no final decisions have been made.
Col. Dave Butler, another spokesperson for the Army, emphasized enthusiasm for the anniversary plans.
“We want to make it into an event that the entire nation can celebrate with us,” said Butler. “We want Americans to know their Army and their soldiers. A parade might become part of that, and we think that will be an excellent addition to what we already have planned.”
Sources familiar with the plans, speaking anonymously since no final approval has been granted, confirmed the documents reflect preparations in the event the White House gives the green light. A request for comment sent to the White House received no immediate response.
So far, there has been no official authorization for the parade. The plans remain fluid and have already undergone revisions in recent weeks.
Without specifically referencing the June 14 event, Trump posted on Truth Social Thursday night, “We are going to start celebrating our victories again!” He announced his intent to rename May 8, currently recognized as Victory in Europe Day, to “Victory Day for World War II,” and to change Veterans Day on November 11 to “Victory Day for World War I.”
Transporting the equipment would require logistical operations involving rail and air transport to bring military assets to the capital.
Some of the personnel and machinery were already slated to appear as part of the Army’s planned birthday festivities, which have been under development for over a year. The scheduled events on the National Mall include demonstrations, physical challenges, climbing walls, Humvees, helicopters, and other military displays.
Adding a parade would significantly boost the number of participating troops and the amount of equipment. According to the outline, approximately 6,300 service members would march, while others would handle logistics and support.
The Army initially didn’t plan for a parade, but officials confirmed last month that discussions about adding one had begun.
The draft plan envisions a showcase of the Army’s 250-year legacy, with soldiers from at least 11 corps and divisions expected to take part. This could include a Stryker battalion with two companies of Stryker vehicles, a tank battalion with two companies of tanks, and an infantry battalion featuring Bradley vehicles, Paladin artillery, Howitzers, and other mechanized units.
Seven official Army bands would perform, and the Golden Knights parachute team is expected to participate. Civilian contributors could include historic military vehicles and planes, additional bands, reenactors, and representatives of veterans organizations and military academies.
The draft indicates the parade would be designated a national special security event, pending approval—a request already submitted by the National Park Service and currently under review.
Plans also include a concert and fireworks following the evening parade.
One planning document highlights logistical hurdles, such as identifying housing for incoming troops and resolving “significant concerns regarding security requirements” associated with moving large volumes of equipment into the city. The biggest outstanding question, the documents note, is finalizing which specific units will be assigned to participate.
Trump first expressed interest in hosting a U.S. military parade after attending the Bastille Day celebrations in France in 2017. Impressed by the parade down the Champs-Élysées, Trump declared he wanted an even larger display along Pennsylvania Avenue.
That initial plan was ultimately dropped due to the projected $92 million cost and logistical headaches, including pushback from city leaders who feared damage to local streets from tanks and heavy armor.
In 2018, Trump wrote on social media that he canceled the parade due to the excessive costs and blamed local officials for inflating the price.
This year, as the Army’s celebration took shape in Washington, conversations about incorporating a parade resurfaced.
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser confirmed in April that the federal government had reached out about organizing a parade on June 14, with a proposed route stretching from Arlington, Virginia—home to the Pentagon and Arlington National Cemetery—across the Potomac River into downtown Washington.
{Matzav.com}