ABC News has captured scenes of a vast military parade in Washington D.C. that marked two milestones on June 14, 2025: the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army and President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday. Crowds lined the National Mall to watch more than six thousand soldiers march, dozens of tanks roll past, and aircraft soar overhead in a display of American military strength.
Parade Scale and Route
The event sent 6,600 soldiers down Constitution Avenue in a procession that began near the Lincoln Memorial and ended at 15th Street NW. Spectators saw 150 vehicles, including twenty‑eight Abrams tanks, travel the full stretch of the Mall. At least fifty aircraft flew above during a special flyover, creating a vivid backdrop against the Washington Monument skyline. Organizers set the start time at 6:30 p.m. EDT, moving it thirty minutes earlier when weather forecasters warned of approaching storms. Even rain could not stop the parade from going on as planned.
Presidential Ceremonies
President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump took their place on a raised stand near the White House. The president stood to salute each passing unit. In one moment that drew wide attention, a soldier parachuted onto the Ellipse carrying a folded American flag. Then the president administered the oath of enlistment to 250 new recruits. This part of the program added a personal touch, as Trump used his own birthday celebration to welcome fresh faces into the Army ranks.
Military Displays and Live Performances
Earlier in the day, crowds gathered for a public festival on the Mall. They walked among tents that displayed historic military gear, from muskets of the Revolutionary War to modern rifles used in recent conflicts. Then the Army’s fitness teams held strength challenges and awards ceremonies in front of the Capitol lawn. Later, the Air Force Thunderbirds traced elegant loops in the sky at the president’s request. A local news director noted that the event “would make great television” by mixing spectacle with musical performances and marching bands.
Planning and Vision
President Trump first mentioned a military parade after attending Bastille Day celebrations in Paris. He spoke then of bringing that idea to the United States in a smaller “twilight tattoo” show for military honors. Over time, that vision grew into today’s full‑scale parade. Senior defense officials say the Army spent between $25 million and $45 million to stage the event. They expect exact figures will depend on any repairs to roads damaged by heavy vehicles.
Costs and Public Response
The parade cost drew criticism from some lawmakers who argued the funds could have supported troops directly or upgraded equipment. Meanwhile, groups across the country held “No Kings” counter‑protests to voice concern over a political leader using uniforms and hardware for personal pageantry. Yet hundreds of thousands of onlookers packed the National Mall. Many applauded as tanks rumbled by, and some families said they felt proud to see the country’s service members honored so publicly.
What Comes Next
As night fell, a fireworks display lit up the Washington sky, capping off an hour of marching, music, and aerial stunts. The Army plans to review lessons from this event to guide future celebrations. In the meantime, Washington residents will remember June 14 as a day when history, birthday cheers, and a show of force all met on one of the nation’s most iconic avenues.
