President Trump danced the night away at three inaugural balls
President Donald Trump danced on stage with First Lady Melania Trump at three inaugural balls.
WASHINGTON — The Army is planning a major parade at the urging of the White House on June 14 — the day the service shares a birthday with President Donald Trump, according to a U.S. official.
Plans for the parade include 6,000 soldiers, helicopters and armored vehicles including Strykers, Bradley Fighting Vehicles and possibly Abrams M-1 tanks, said the official who was not authorized to speak publicly.
The Army had been planning a major celebration for its 250th anniversary on June 14 when White House officials suggested a parade. Soldiers march in presidential inaugural events, but it’s unclear if they have participated in a presidential birthday celebration. The official cautioned that plans for the parade remain tentative, but the event appears likely to happen.
The Associated Press first reported the parade plans. It is likely to cost millions of dollars, and the parade route is planned to go through the heart of Washington, DC along Constitution Avenue, the official said.
During his first term, Trump appeared at the July 4 celebration in Washington. And the military supplied equipment, including Bradleys, at his request, as well as flyovers. He was criticized for politicizing the Independence Day event. There was also concern about damage caused to city streets by heavy armor, so the vehicles remained immobile, on display, so as not to chew up pavement.
The Army is planning a number of other events to celebrate its anniversary apart from the parade.