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6,600 soldiers,150 vehicles, 50 helicopters, 7 bands

Detailed Army plans for a potential military parade on President Donald Trump's birthday in June call for more than 6,600 soldiers, at least 150 vehicles, 50 helicopters, seven bands and possibly a couple thousand civilians, The Associated Press has learned.

The planning documents, obtained by the AP, are dated April 29 and 30 and have not been publicly released. They represent the Army's most recent blueprint for its long-planned 250th anniversary festival on the National Mall and the newly added element — a large military parade that Trump has long wanted but is still being discussed.

The Army anniversary just happens to coincide with Trump’s 79th birthday on June 14.

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by Anonymousreply 87May 17, 2025 5:22 PM

While the slides do not include any price estimates, it would likely cost tens of millions of dollars to put on a parade of that size. Costs would include the movement of military vehicles, equipment, aircraft and troops from across the country to Washington and the need to feed and house thousands of service members.

High costs halted Trump's push for a parade in his first term, and the tanks and other heavy vehicles that are part of the Army's latest plans have raised concerns from city officials about damage to roads.

Asked about plans for a parade, Army spokesman Steve Warren said Thursday that no final decisions have been made.

Col. Dave Butler, another Army spokesman, added that the Army is excited about the plans for its anniversary.

“We want to make it into an event that the entire nation can celebrate with us,” said Butler. “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.”

Others familiar with the documents, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the plans have not been finalized, said they represent the Army's plans as it prepares for any White House approval of the parade. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

There has been no formal approval yet. Changes to the plans have been made in recent weeks and more are likely.

In a Truth Social post Thursday night that did not mention the June 14 plans, Trump wrote, “We are going to start celebrating our victories again!” He vowed to rename May 8, now known as Victory in Europe Day, as “Victory Day for World War II,” and to change November 11, Veterans Day, to “Victory Day for World War I.”

by Anonymousreply 1May 2, 2025 5:53 AM

Everybody should leave DC during this event. Make it the saddest crowd ever and tank the local economy the whole weekend.

by Anonymousreply 2May 2, 2025 6:01 AM

We love you, Kim Jong Donald!

by Anonymousreply 3May 2, 2025 6:07 AM

At R1, it seems like the military commanders don't really want to do a parade for Trump, based on their vague responses to questions about the parade.

However, they're probably being forced to do it by Pete Hegseth.

by Anonymousreply 4May 2, 2025 6:09 AM

Hey DOGE, where the fuck are you?

by Anonymousreply 5May 2, 2025 6:15 AM

I’m old enough to remember the 1991 so-called National Victory Celebration in DC to “celebrate” the “end” of the first Gulf War. AKA the “wargasm” to those of us who thought the event was an unnecessary and obnoxious self-congratulatory display. This proposed new event sounds pretty similar in size and scope and of course the reason it’s being staged is even more idiotic than the earlier one.

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by Anonymousreply 6May 2, 2025 7:39 AM

Oh, it will definitely happen.

by Anonymousreply 7May 2, 2025 12:42 PM

R5 Totally agree. At the very least the cost of this extravaganza should be deducted from any perceived DOGE cost savings. Along with his rounds of golf and Kristi Noems commercials.

by Anonymousreply 8May 2, 2025 12:47 PM

The Dems must make a point of how much this will cost and contrast it with the cutting of funds for children and seniors; and they must do it constantly before it comes to fruition. But, of course, they will do nothing.

by Anonymousreply 9May 2, 2025 12:58 PM

Tammy Duckworth do your thing

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by Anonymousreply 10May 2, 2025 1:06 PM

R10 That’s a patriot!

by Anonymousreply 11May 2, 2025 1:08 PM

He's Hitler Part Deux and Stephen Miller is definitely his Goebbels.

by Anonymousreply 12May 2, 2025 1:14 PM

This is like basically Kim Jong Un North Korea level shit.

Can you image the media and the Republicans in Congress reaction if a Democrat president did any of this?

by Anonymousreply 13May 2, 2025 1:32 PM

I'm going to write a letter!!!

by Anonymousreply 14May 2, 2025 1:33 PM

R14 Don't be too harsh now.

by Anonymousreply 15May 2, 2025 1:39 PM

Revolting.

by Anonymousreply 16May 2, 2025 1:42 PM

A trite and cliched totalitarian-"style" show of power at a time when the United States is at its least powerful in more than 85 years (let's say 1940).

by Anonymousreply 17May 2, 2025 2:05 PM

I'm not concerned.

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by Anonymousreply 18May 2, 2025 3:37 PM

I hope this is just a cover for a military coup to take out the fucker.

by Anonymousreply 19May 2, 2025 3:40 PM

puke

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by Anonymousreply 20May 2, 2025 3:41 PM

[quote]Everybody should leave DC during this event.

On the contrary - it seems like an ideal opportunity for a huge protest demonstration.

by Anonymousreply 21May 2, 2025 3:42 PM

You want to jump start martial law, R21? That's actually an incredibly stupid idea. It's a parade of tanks and soldiers and hopped up MAGAs and you suggest planning a protest. A real galaxy brain, aren't you?

by Anonymousreply 22May 2, 2025 3:50 PM

Good point r17. It really is astounding that 70-some million Americans voted to weaken this country to it's lowest point in power and prestige since before WWII. Yet these people consider themselves flag-waving "patriots".

by Anonymousreply 23May 2, 2025 3:50 PM

This makes me think of North Korea.

by Anonymousreply 24May 2, 2025 4:02 PM

Some civilian participation, huh? The J6ers were largely civilians, weren't they? Nobody leaked any information about putting all of DC under federal occupation, so I guess all there is to worry about is vanity. "In addition to what we have planned . . ."

by Anonymousreply 25May 2, 2025 4:11 PM

And it won't make him happy.

by Anonymousreply 26May 2, 2025 4:13 PM

Total North Korea vibes.

by Anonymousreply 27May 2, 2025 4:15 PM

[quote]And it won't make him happy.

At least SOMETHING good can come out of it!

by Anonymousreply 28May 2, 2025 4:16 PM

[quote] This makes me think of North Korea.

Why would you ever think that?

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by Anonymousreply 29May 2, 2025 4:18 PM

[quote]A real galaxy brain, aren't you?

Yes, I am. If you want to passively stand by and watch your country taken over by militarists, go right ahead. But 6600 soldiers are no match for hundreds of thousands of demonstrators who are, in many cases, friends and neighbors of those soldiers. I don't think even Trump would be willing to give orders to shoot Americans à la Tienanmen. You are conceding defeat from the start.

by Anonymousreply 30May 2, 2025 4:19 PM

He's such a pathetic titty baby. Did he have a birthday party and none of the neighbor kids showed up?

by Anonymousreply 31May 2, 2025 4:21 PM

I have a feeling it won't happen. Aside from the fact that this administration and especially Hegseth at the Pentagon aren't terribly competent at day-to-day leading and governing let alone huge event planning, I suspect the fear of sparse attendance will kill the idea.

Will MAGAts spend their money to travel and stay in the DC right as the tariff crisis hits and shelves are empty? The last visual Trump wants is a sparsely attended parade route. Unlike N. Korea, our fat leader can't order citizens to turn out else be thrown into a labor camp. At least not yet.

by Anonymousreply 32May 2, 2025 4:22 PM

Seriously no one cares about some stupid army parade. And no one is going to get excited over some birthday. REMFs, dead enders, fat people , fags, and pogues on display . Not sure why we even have an army,

by Anonymousreply 33May 2, 2025 4:26 PM

"Pogues?"

by Anonymousreply 34May 2, 2025 4:35 PM

Talk about disrespecting all veterans and military:

[quote]President Donald Trump wants to rename Veterans Day to "Victory Day for World War I" as a way to celebrate the United States' military victories, he said in a social media post on May 1. He also said he's pushing to recognize May 8 as "Victory Day for World War II." "We are going to start celebrating our victories again!" Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social.

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by Anonymousreply 35May 2, 2025 4:36 PM

r35 pretty telling that he has to reach eighty years back for the last "victory" he deems worth celebrating.

by Anonymousreply 36May 2, 2025 4:38 PM

R36 hardly the last victory. What a crock.

by Anonymousreply 37May 2, 2025 4:42 PM

R35 The man he got a doctor to sign an excuse that he had bones spurs to get out of serving the military, who constantly denigrates and disrespects the veterans, and takes no advise from the top military brass, has no place doing anything in regards to Veterans Day

by Anonymousreply 38May 2, 2025 5:46 PM

R38

Rent Damn Yankee

All will be explained.

by Anonymousreply 39May 2, 2025 5:48 PM

Anyone with an ounce of sense will pray for hurricanes and tornadoes and a LOT of lightning and wind. And stay the fuck out of D.C. Let his MAGAs have it. Trump would love to start some shit. He is looking for an excuse for martial law and suspending the Constitution. He is not above trying to start the violence himself. He has his Proud Boys and his militias and if you think they aren't spoiling for a f ight you're delusional I'd love to see empty streets. I know he is already organizing the buses and the funds to bring his followers into the city. The motto should be Do Not Engage. He is watching these mass demonstrations very closely. Notice he isn't saying much? He's making his own plans.

by Anonymousreply 40May 2, 2025 8:27 PM

DL and Trump can make this about Trump but it’s the 250 th year celebration of the United States Army.

Not a day of total celebration on DL where most like Trump have not served and would not consider serving but a big deal for many Americans many of whom are not maga not gop not named Trump..

Liberals most who have never served lined up to complain about an Army celebration of their. 250 years in existence is one shitty look in the eyes of many American voters.

by Anonymousreply 41May 3, 2025 10:47 AM

I like Ike

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by Anonymousreply 42May 3, 2025 10:52 AM

[Quote] DL and Trump can make this about Trump but it’s the 250 th year celebration of the United States Army.

The 250 year celebration will be on July 4, Independence Day, not June14, Flag Day. We have never “celebrated” Flag Day will anything. June 14 is also Trump’s Birthday, not coincidentally…

by Anonymousreply 43May 3, 2025 11:37 AM

Now less than 6 weeks to go to make it happen.

Is the regime competent enough to pull it off?

by Anonymousreply 44May 3, 2025 11:45 AM

R43 shocking you might suggest Trump might try to take advantage of an Army 250 year celebration for his own ego and good. You think the entire country left and right does not understand this?

Complaining constantly about Trump lying or taking advantage of something so he can stuff his fat face is like someone going to Niagara Falls and saying—-look at that water, look more water , look more water , look more…...

by Anonymousreply 45May 3, 2025 11:47 AM

I'm ready now. I've been preparing for years and already the size of a float.

by Anonymousreply 46May 3, 2025 1:04 PM

[quote]Not a day of total celebration on DL where most like Trump have not served

[quote]Liberals most who have never served

You sound extremely bitter and 100% MAGA.

by Anonymousreply 47May 3, 2025 1:50 PM

R47 I know for a fact some liberals do serve. You and DJT did not. That does not mean you and Trump agree on everything.

by Anonymousreply 48May 3, 2025 4:05 PM

Now who is gonna fix all the streets after all those heavy tanks roll along and tear everything up?

by Anonymousreply 49May 3, 2025 4:31 PM

Also r41 -

*Trump's Approval Sinks into the 30s*

[quote]Tampons in the boys bathrooms , trannies flashing their store bought tits on the White House lawn after meeting with Joe, and sex change surgery for federal prisoners showed such good democratic ideas and support for the gay and trans communities

[quote]It’s amazing all those American Nazis were so opposed to basic American rights..

by Anonymousreply 50May 3, 2025 4:34 PM

[QUOTE]sex change surgery for federal prisoners

Gender affirming care was a policy enacted by the Trump administration, but the MAGAt knew it already.

by Anonymousreply 51May 3, 2025 5:26 PM

This better not cost more than two dolls.

by Anonymousreply 52May 3, 2025 5:53 PM

Constitution Avenue has been selected as the main route for Trump’s Jun. 14 military parade, so for once “trampling on Constitution” will be more than a metaphor for him.

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by Anonymousreply 53May 9, 2025 10:52 PM

This is in one of the responses. The poster made the prediction four months ago. I for one would love to see a few tanks plunge through Constitution Ave into the canal.

Can you picture the frantic meetings the Army Corps of Engineers are having right now?

[QUOTE]The canal has long been covered over by Constitution Avenue and it still flows. Sooner or later, Trump will demand a military parade and the world will learn what happens when you try to drive a 65 ton main battle tank over 19th century infrastructure.😂

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by Anonymousreply 54May 9, 2025 10:58 PM

Vile

by Anonymousreply 55May 9, 2025 11:08 PM

Nixon would be SO JEALOUS

by Anonymousreply 56May 9, 2025 11:14 PM

He can be told no. The Republicans treat him like he's Tony Soprano when in fact he's Big Pussy.

by Anonymousreply 57May 9, 2025 11:26 PM

Juneteenth II

by Anonymousreply 58May 10, 2025 2:22 AM

I have a feeling this is going to draw more protesters than supporters. Surely Hands Off is going to do some organizing around it.

by Anonymousreply 59May 10, 2025 2:25 AM

What does the Army think of this? And what about the Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard?

by Anonymousreply 60May 10, 2025 2:37 AM

I assume Trump will wear a general’s uniform

by Anonymousreply 61May 10, 2025 2:42 AM

Yes, with the Bronze Star for avoiding STDs during Vietnam.

by Anonymousreply 62May 10, 2025 2:58 AM

50 fucking helicopters???

by Anonymousreply 63May 10, 2025 3:45 AM

I wouldn't be dismayed about if it didn't happen on the same day as Trump's birthday. Face it, that's why it's happening. It's for HIM, he doesn't give a fuck about anyone else. An excuse to kiss his own ass.

by Anonymousreply 64May 10, 2025 3:49 AM

No one will be going to work that day in DC. Traffic jam.

by Anonymousreply 65May 10, 2025 4:23 AM

[quote] 50 fucking helicopters???

I would avoid flying in and out of Reagan National Airport in DC on that day.

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by Anonymousreply 66May 10, 2025 4:29 AM

[quote] I have a feeling this is going to draw more protesters than supporters. Surely Hands Off is going to do some organizing around it

I could see some fed up anti-Trump veterans protesting.

by Anonymousreply 67May 10, 2025 5:04 AM

What a waste of our taxpaying money. I certainly hope he dies soon.

by Anonymousreply 68May 10, 2025 5:32 AM

We should all demand a refund!

by Anonymousreply 69May 10, 2025 5:36 AM

r59 There are protests being planned all across the US on June 14th to protest. Go to indivisible to find a protest near you.

by Anonymousreply 70May 10, 2025 5:59 AM

Supposedly cost estimates put it at $45-$52M with funds being ripped from Army training and re-allocated for the parade. I also read they built Trump's weekly golfing jaunts into the proposed budget at a cost of $300M.

by Anonymousreply 71May 10, 2025 6:01 AM

R60 no one in the military wants to be apart of a military parade. And since this parade is to allegedly celebrate the army’s birthday why would the other service care?

The Marines have never cared much about any birthday celebrations or so I hear.

by Anonymousreply 72May 10, 2025 8:40 AM

R62 you are mixing up politicians and awards,

Donald Trump claimed , I believe , he “should “have gotten that bronze star for his sexcapedes.

Bob Kerrey received the MoH and Purple Heart and was attacked by swift boaters

John Kerry received a silver and a bronze star and PH and was attacked by swift boaters

Wes Moore for years claimed he received a bronze star and for years never corrected anyone that said he did while knowing he had not been awarded one. The GOP attacked him,

by Anonymousreply 73May 10, 2025 8:53 AM

[quote]I hope this is just a cover for a military coup to take out the fucker.

There's no risk, when you have soldiers on your side!

by Anonymousreply 74May 10, 2025 9:07 AM

Putin's Red Square V-Day Parade yesterday can only have galvanised Trump yet more. There's little to no chance he'll resist the need not to be one-down to Vladimir, and to display his country's virility in depth, complete with phallic murder weapons aplenty. Objections will be flattened. The thought of Trump's Mussolini look on the day is nauseating indeed.

by Anonymousreply 75May 10, 2025 11:55 AM

Many Marines might take some interest in this all army parade just to see if the troops can indeed march and in a straight line.

by Anonymousreply 76May 10, 2025 12:12 PM

[quote] Many Marines might take some interest in this all army parade just to see if the troops can indeed march and in a straight line.

We know that one person who won't be able to walk a straight line, is Pete Hegseth.

*hiccup*

He'll probably be sloshed at the parade.

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by Anonymousreply 77May 10, 2025 12:18 PM

[QUOTE]Donald Trump claimed , I believe , he “should “have gotten that bronze star for his sexcapedes.

He told Howard Stern that venereal disease was his own "personal Vietnam" after dodging the draft.

by Anonymousreply 78May 10, 2025 4:15 PM

I thought trump also said he deserved an award for that but I could be wrong. Wes was the one that said he had a Bronze when he knew he did not. I sure wish that had not been the case

It’s gotten hard to keep all the tall tales and bullshit straight. Awards for a draft dogger avoiding GC, an uncle eaten by cannibals during ww2, and a fib on an application about having a bronze star that you did not have .

I should have gone into politics I can spin bullshit as well as anyone, And I am no more senile that Biden or Trump are today.

by Anonymousreply 79May 10, 2025 4:31 PM

Will there at least be 76 trombones?

by Anonymousreply 80May 10, 2025 11:37 PM

If you object to this waste of money, you will be labeled " America hater."

by Anonymousreply 81May 11, 2025 1:40 PM

R81 send a signed letter to the White House and cc Pete and explain to them how much you object. Bitching on DL about it is not the way to go. That’s a silly way to try and change anything. Time to Man Up

by Anonymousreply 82May 11, 2025 2:32 PM

My protest sign will read, "Love the Military. Hate the President" to be clear what I don't support.

by Anonymousreply 83May 11, 2025 2:44 PM

[quote] Tanks, cannons and soldiers sleeping in DC offices: Inside Trump birthday military parade

The big military parade planned for June 14 – the Army's 250th anniversary and President Donald Trump's 79th birthday – will feature dozens of tanks rumbling through the streets of Washington, warplanes buzzing overhead and 7,500 soldiers housed in government office buildings downtown, according to Army planning documents.

USA TODAY had an exclusive look at the latest planning documents that detail the elaborate choreography required for a massive military parade and unofficial birthday party with few, if any, precedents. On June 8, 1991, thousands of troops along with tanks and other armored vehicles, paraded through Washington. That was to honor their victory in the Gulf War. Then-President George H.W. Bush's birthday was four days later.

Is the parade a celebration of the Army's storied heritage, or an homage to Trump and the political movement he leads? Or both? Army officials say that they have long planned a major celebration for their milestone anniversary.

Democratic lawmakers, though, say Trump has coopted the parade for his own political purposes.

"This is Trump. This is all about his ego and making everything about him," Sen. Jack Reed, the top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, said May 14. "The only thing he'd be disappointed about is that he couldn't fly his plane over the parade."

Trump has maintained the parade is all about celebrating "the greatest military in the world."

Its cost is "peanuts compared to the value of doing it," he told Kristen Welker in a May 4 NBC "Meet the Press" interview.

Vince Haley, director of the White House Domestic Policy Council, said in a statement Trump is planning "an historic celebration of the Army's 250th birthday."

"As one of the first events of the year-long celebration of our 250th anniversary, this commemorative parade will be a fitting tribute to the service, sacrifice, and selflessness of the brave men and women who have worn the uniform and devoted their lives to defending the greatest experiment in liberty known to man,” Haley said.

The latest price tag for the parade: $30 million, a figure expected to rise to perhaps $45 million.

Soldiers and their equipment will begin to arrive in the nation's capital from across the country in the days leading up to the parade. They will be housed in the Department of Agriculture building and a former government warehouse owned by the General Service Administration on Seventh Street.

Their chow will consist of two MREs (Meals Ready to Eat) and one hot meal per day. They'll also receive $50 per day in extra pay.

Bring your sleeping bags, said a Defense Department official who was not authorized to speak publicly.

Their shower schedule will be set by "mayors" appointed to oversee housing at the buildings, the official said.

The parade will salute the Army's heritage from the Revolutionary War to the present, with soldiers in period uniforms. Some time periods have proved harder to find period dress from than others – the Army is struggling to outfit soldiers in uniforms from the War of 1812 and the Spanish-American War, according to the defense official.

There will be 120 vehicles, including 24 Abrams tanks, 24 Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles, an armored vehicle similar in design but smaller than a tank and four Paladins, massive self-propelled howitzer cannons.

Vintage warplanes, such as the World War II-era B-17 bomber and P-51 Mustang fighter, are scheduled to fly over the National Mall, the iconic open space in Washington that stretches from the U.S. Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial. They'll be followed later by newer aircraft, including 50 Apache, Black Hawk and Chinook helicopters.

The parade will cross in front of Trump's viewing stand on Constitution Avenue just south of the White House at around 6 p.m. Trump is expected to preside over the enlistment and reenlistment of soldiers at the conclusion of the parade. It will finish with a finale of fireworks at dusk.

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by Anonymousreply 84May 17, 2025 3:27 PM

Some suggestions for Trump's parade, from Egypt.

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by Anonymousreply 85May 17, 2025 3:36 PM

Here's another suggestion, also from Egypt:

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by Anonymousreply 86May 17, 2025 3:52 PM

If there ever was a day to stage a coup and take over everything that parade day would be it.

by Anonymousreply 87May 17, 2025 5:22 PM
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