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June 14, 2025

Trump holds military parade on his 79th birthday for 250th anniversary

NPR
NPR
NPR
Rolling Stone
Reuters
+6

On Trump's 79th birthday, 6,600 troops marched for Flag Day and the Army's 250th anniversary

The parade took place on June 14, 2025, marking Flag Day, the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary and President Trump's 79th birthday.

6,600 troops from at least 11 different corps and divisions participated in the parade.

The military displayed 26 M1A1 Abrams tanks and 27 Bradley Fighting Vehicles.

50 aircraft—ranging from World War II-era planes to modern helicopters—flew overhead during the parade.

Country star Lee Greenwood headlined an evening concert following the parade.

The Army estimated the direct cost at $25-45 million, ultimately spending $30 million, with an additional $3 million spent on steel plates to protect roads.

About 200,000 people were expected to attend the parade and associated events on the National Mall.

The parade route began at 6:30 p.m. ET, starting at the Pentagon north parking lot, crossing Memorial Bridge, proceeding down Constitution Avenue and ending at 15th Street.

The National Weather Service warned of possible thunderstorms and lightning, which could've led to delays or evacuations.

Despite initial estimates of $16 million in road repair costs, actual damage was minimal—only one crushed curb near the staging area.

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People, bills, and sources

Donald J. Trump

Donald J. Trump

President of the United States

Christine Wormuth

Secretary of the Army (former)

Randy George

Chief of Staff of the Army

Major General Scott Sherman

Army spokesperson

Lee Greenwood

Country music artist

Muriel Bowser

Mayor of Washington D.C.

What you can do

1

To follow federal spending on events like this parade, visit Congress.gov to track appropriations bills and committee debates.

2

Contact your senators and representatives through their official Capitol Hill offices or via https://www.house.gov and https://www.senate.gov to share your views on military budgets.

3

Use the Federal Register (https://www.federalregister.gov) to review official policy guidelines and notices related to defense department activities.

4

Monitor updates and official statements on WhiteHouse.gov for the administration's justifications and budget proposals.

5

For broader civic engagement resources—voter registration, public comment opportunities and election administration—see the Election Assistance Commission at https://www.eac.gov.