Army releases tickets for D.C. military parade on June 14
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Tickets are free. You can register for up to two per mobile number. Image: Courtesy of US Army
Tickets are now available for the Army's 250th anniversary "Grand Military Parade" on June 14, when 6,700 soldiers and dozens of tanks and war machines will roll through D.C.
Why it matters: D.C.'s first military parade since the Gulf War will end with Army parachuters touching down to present President Trump with an American flag on his 79th birthday, officials told reporters Wednesday at the Pentagon.
The big picture: From the Revolutionary War to the world wars and beyond, units will march dressed in period attire. It will run on Constitution from 23rd Street to 15th Street.
- The first Abrams battle tanks destined for D.C. were loaded onto trains in Texas' Fort Cavazos on Wednesday.
By the numbers: There will be 28 Abrams tanks taking part in the evening parade. Metal plates will be laid down on the street to prevent damage from the 68-ton machines.
- Joining in are 28 Bradley fighting vehicles and Stryker armored vehicles, four Paladin howitzers, towed artillery, and multiple infantry squad vehicles, according to Army spokesperson Steve Warren.
- Plus: 34 horses, two mules, and one dog.
- A planned flyover will involve more than 50 military helicopters in addition to historical aircraft like a B-25 bomber and P-51 Mustang.
Before fireworks, the Army's Golden Knights will parachute down to the Ellipse to present Trump a folded flag.
- The commander-in-chief will then administer the oath to 250 soldiers.
- When asked if the Army will mark Trump's birthday: "No plans. This has been the Army's birthday for [250] — we've had 249 previous of these," Warren told reporters.
State of play: The Army predicts it will spend $25 million to $45 million on the birthday plans, which include a U.S. Army festival at the National Mall during the day. The military parade is a much more recent addition — an idea aligning with Trump's long desire to hold one.
- The estimate is a partial accounting; it doesn't include the kind of inauguration-level security that the Secret Service and law enforcement will provide for the parade. (It's classified as a National Special Security Event.)
- Also TBD: The staging for Trump, who is expected to watch the parade from a stand that's being built on the Ellipse. The Army said the White House is handling its stand.
Zoom out: As part of weeklong celebrations, the Army festival is also open to the public pre-parade from 11am to 6pm on the National Mall.
- Along with exhibits and weapons displays, soldiers will compete in a fitness competition, and the NFL will have a Kids Zone section for family-friendly activities (featuring Commanders head coach Dan Quinn).
- A concert will include country singers Noah Hicks and Scotty Hasting, and DJ Nyla.
Between the lines: The Pentagon is on the hook for any damage to city roads, a concern of Mayor Muriel Bowser. "The Army is responsible for any damage," Col. Jesse Curry of the Army Corps of Engineers told media.
- Early plans suggested a much longer procession, starting from the Pentagon and going over Memorial Bridge. Heavy vehicles will instead be trucked to a staging point near West Potomac Park — so, no tanks crossing the Potomac.
- Meanwhile, soldiers will bunk in two government office buildings, sleeping on military cots and eating military MRE meals (they also have a $69 per diem, Warren said).