Army plans for parade to mark 250th anniversary with 6,600 soldiers, military vehicles, helicopters

The Army is planning a huge military parade in June to mark its 250th anniversary that could include over 6,600 soldiers, 150 military vehicles and 50 helicopters.

The plans were first reported by The Associated Press, which obtained the planning documents dated Tuesday and Wednesday but have not been publicly released.

Army spokesman Col. Dave Butler confirmed to the wire service about the possibility of the parade.

The Army has long planned its 250th anniversary festival on the National Mall, but the parade is a new potential element. 

The anniversary is June 14, which is also President Trump's birthday and Flag Day.

“We want to make it into an event that the entire nation can celebrate with us,” Butler said. “We want Americans to know their Army and their soldiers. A parade might become part of that, and we think that will be an excellent addition to what we already have planned.”

Another Army spokesman said no final decisions have been made about a parade.

The potential parade plans include soldiers coming in from across the country from at least 11 corps and divisions. The plans include a tank battalion and two companies of tanks, a Stryker battalion with two companies of Stryker vehicles, Paladin artillery vehicles, an infantry battalion with Bradley vehicles, and Howitzers.

Seven Army bands and a parachute jump by the Golden Knights are also a possibility.

A concert and fireworks are expected to follow the evening parade.

The wire service did not say whether the event is still set to be held in Washington, D.C.