Army’s 250th anniversary parade to proceed rain or shine
President Donald Trump announced on social media Saturday morning, June 14, that a parade commemorating the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary will proceed as planned, rain or shine. “REMEMBER, A RAINY DAY PARADE BRINGS GOOD LUCK. I’LL SEE YOU ALL IN D.C.,” Trump wrote.
Rain is forecast for Saturday evening’s event, and White House spokesperson Anna Kelly confirmed the event would go forward. However, Kelly noted the parade could face delays if lightning strikes, as authorities are prepared to evacuate the National Mall in such cases.
The National Mall will host the festivities, marking the Army’s 250th anniversary and coinciding with Trump’s 79th birthday. The event includes thousands of soldiers, military equipment, musical performances, over 50 booths, kid-friendly zones and NFL meet-and-greet opportunities. Organizers estimate attendance at around 200,000.
Critics of the parade
Critics of the parade, which carries a price tag upwards of $40 million, have raised concerns about potential damage to streets caused by tanks. The Army has taken measures to protect the streets, such as laying metal plates along the parade route.
An Associated Press poll found that approximately 6 in 10 Americans believe the parade is “not a good use” of government funds. Among those polled, 78% held neutral opinions on the parade but expressed concerns about spending.
The parade fulfills Trump’s long-standing desire for a grand procession, inspired by his visit to France for Bastille Day in 2017. After witnessing the two-hour parade along the Champs-Élysées, Trump expressed his aspiration for an even larger display on Pennsylvania Avenue.
How to watch
The Army has announced it will stream the parade on its social media platforms. News outlets, including C-SPAN and Fox News Channel, plan to broadcast the entire event live, while others, like NBC News Now, will provide streaming coverage.
The parade is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. and will last approximately 90 minutes.
Ella Rae Greene, Editor In Chief
