According to an Army official, the anticipated cost of a military parade to commemorate the Army’s anniversary next month, which also happens to be President Trump’s birthday, ranges from $25 million to $45 million.
Over 100 vehicles and thousands of soldiers, who will be housed in federal facilities, are anticipated to participate in the parade in Washington, D.C. According to the spokeswoman, “extensive coordination” with the Federal Aviation Administration is necessary because it may also involve 50 helicopters.
On June 14, which is also Mr. Trump’s 79th birthday, the ceremony will be held as part of the Army’s 250th anniversary celebrations.
According to a statement from White House spokesperson Anna Kelly, the expense will be “shared by the Department of the Army and the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission.”
“President Trump will commemorate the United States Army’s birthday with a military parade that honors all who served since our great nation was founded 250 years ago,” Kelly stated. “There is no event grand enough to adequately capture our gratitude for the millions of heroes who laid down their lives defending our freedom, but this parade will be a fitting tribute to the service, sacrifice, and selflessness of all who have worn the uniform.”
Last month, there were rumours that a military march may take place. More than 6,600 troops, seven bands, and 150 vehicles, including tanks and Stryker and Bradley combat vehicles, were included in the initial plans that were acquired two weeks ago, but the Army claimed that the plans were still in the early stages of development.
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The president added that the occasion has nothing to do with his birthday. In response, Mr. Trump stated that the cost would be “peanuts compared to the value of doing it.”
Democrats have expressed some disapproval of the measures. The proposal was deemed wasteful earlier this month by Tennessee Representative Steve Cohen, who wrote in a statement that “The egotist-in-chief wants taxpayers to foot the bill for a military parade on his birthday.”
The pomp of a military parade has always piqued Mr. Trump’s curiosity. The president said “we’re going to have to try and top it” on the Fourth of July while visiting France in 2017, during his first term, and praising the nation’s yearly Bastille Day parade.
The administration started planning a parade to honour Veterans Day a year later. However, Mr. Trump postponed the event and blamed local elected leaders for raising the cost after reports surfaced that the event may cost up to $92 million, and several Democratic lawmakers denounced the notion as “self-aggrandizing.”
