On Wednesday, the U.S. Army began preparations for the transfer of Abrams tanks from Fort Cavazos Base in Texas to Washington, D.C., for its 250th anniversary parade along the National Mall. The event will be held on June 14, a date that coincides with President Trump’s birthday.
A total of 28 M1 Abrams tanks will be sent to the parade, officials said. The celebrations in question have fueled speculation that Trump is exploiting the event to finally organize the military parade he so desired during his first term. The initiative, at the time, was canceled because of its exorbitant cost, which was around $90 million.
Bradley and Stryker combat vehicles will also be on display, along with World War II vehicles such as the M4 Sherman tank, Douglas C-47 transport plane and P-51 Mustang fighter jet. Among the 50 Army aircraft in the parade will be Cobra and Huey helicopters.
Officials said the heavy vehicles will be deployed at Washington’s West Potomac Park before the parade, which will continue down Constitution Avenue and end near the White House, where Army Golden Knights paratroopers will jump on the Ellipse.
One of the paratroopers will then hand a flag to Trump. “The parade will trace the Army’s evolution from the Revolutionary War through to the U.S. Army of Tomorrow,” America250 said in a press release. “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 military said it plans to spend between $25 million and $45 million on the event, although the final budget is expected to be much higher. The U.S. Secret Service has called the parade a “special national security event,” similar to the Super Bowl or a presidential inauguration.
About 6,700 soldiers will begin arriving in Washington DC on June 11 and will sleep on cots inside unused federal buildings. Trailers with showers will be set up in protected areas for the troops, who will also receive a daily stipend of $69.
