Although the Army’s 250th anniversary is generating plenty of political talk, its significance is in celebrating military history, not presidential celebrations.
United States: The U.S. Army revealed on Wednesday that President Donald Trump’s birthday on June 14 would not be recognized during his participation in events marking the Army’s 250th anniversary, as reported by Reuters.
Trump to Attend, Receives Symbolic Flag
Trump, who will turn 79 that day, will join the festivities by receiving a folding flag from soldiers flying in by parachute. The event will also include a parade down Constitution Avenue, a major street in Washington.
🎖️🎂 Trump to Lead Army’s 250th Parade on His 79th Birthday
— PiQ (@PiQSuite) May 20, 2025
June 14 event in D.C. to feature 6,500 troops, 150 vehicles, 25 tanks, and fireworks.
Critics call it ego-driven; cost pegged at up to $45M amid concerns of politicizing the military. pic.twitter.com/cUnOzozLzV
Adding the parade at the last minute upset many Democrats and others who say it is giving Trump’s influence too much attention.
Army Responds to Political Criticism
Steve Warren of the Army answered that, to my knowledge, there are no plans to honor the president’s birthday.
“This has been the Army’s birthday. … We’ve had 249 previous ones of these,” Warren told reporters at the Pentagon. “We’re excited that the commander-in-chief is interested in the Army’s 250th anniversary and that he will want to view it.”
Parade Costs, Tank Protection Planned
Estimates for the celebrations are in the range of $25 million to $45 million, and during the event, Army vehicles such as the M1A1 Abrams tank will join a parade marking the Army’s history, as reported by Reuters.
The Army said it would ensure Washington, D.C.’s streets were protected from harm, using metal plates in some locations to protect against any damage from the tanks. No harm is expected, but the Army will fix anything that might come up at their expense.