WASHINGTON – The nation’s capital is bracing for a massive military parade Saturday to celebrate the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary, featuring tanks, aircraft flyovers and thousands of soldiers.
“Having sustained for 250 years, in light of whatever goes on in the world, the United States is always going to stand for good,” said Capt. Colton Curry of the U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne Division.
The parade will roll down Constitution Avenue and include an array of military vehicles, roughly 6,000 U.S. troops, and aircraft soaring overhead.
Preparations for the high-security event have been underway for weeks. Officials installed more than 18 miles of anti-scale fencing and placed concrete barriers throughout the area.
Federal, state and local law enforcement agencies are coordinating with support from the Secret Service, which plans to deploy drones in the air.
The celebration coincides with former President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday.
“It is my birthday but we’re not celebrating my birthday – I am celebrating Flag Day, it happens to be the same day so I take a little heat,” Trump said.
The event’s estimated $45 million cost has drawn criticism from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, with some accusing the former commander-in-chief of using the military to project political strength.
“That’s more typical of capitals like Moscow and Beijing and Pyongyang than it is to Washington D.C.,” said Sen. Chris Coons, D-Md.
Meanwhile, as protests against Trump’s immigration policies continue to grow across the country, security is expected to be tight. Trump issued a warning to would-be demonstrators earlier this week.
“For those people who want to protest, they’re going to be met with very big force and I haven’t even heard about a protest,” Trump said.
Still, organizers behind counter-demonstrations said they do not intend to be deterred.
“We will be nonviolent. We will not be provoked,” said protest organizer Sunsara Taylor.
The parade is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. ET.
