The US Army is preparing for its 250th anniversary celebration on June 14, coinciding with President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday. The event has been criticized for being an expensive vanity project that projects authoritarianism. To mark the occasion, hundreds of tanks and military vehicles are arriving in Washington, DC, including over two dozen M1 Abrams tanks weighing over 60 tons each.
The parade, which will take place on Constitution Avenue near the White House, will feature a large-scale display of infantry fighting vehicles, heavy artillery weaponry, and thousands of soldiers. The event has raised concerns about the potential for a military spectacle that could be seen as an expression of authoritarianism.
Contrary to previous years, tanks were not part of the Army’s programming, sparking criticism from some quarters. Despite these concerns, the parade is expected to proceed with its planned festivities on June 14.
Source: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2025-06-10/washington-dc-military-parade-tests-local-infrastructure