The largest parade in the nation’s capital since the end of the first Gulf War in 1991 will be part of a day-long extravaganza on the National Mall, including musical performances, parachutists and fireworks. According to the Pentagon, about 150 ground vehicles, 6,600 soldiers and 50 aircraft will appear in the parade, grouped to represent each major era of the Army’s history. These will all parade through the heart of D.C. for a celebration honoring the 250th birthday of the U.S. Army on Saturday — also, President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday.
8:15 a.m. Wreath laying at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia; open to the public and live-streamed.
9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Fitness competition on the National Mall.
11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Army Birthday Festival on the National Mall, including military demonstrations, equipment displays, live music and food trucks.
6:30 p.m. The parade route runs along Constitution Avenue NW, beginning at 23rd Street near the Lincoln Memorial and finishing about a mile down the road, at 15th Street near the Washington Monument. The parade involves thousands of soldiers in historic and modern uniforms, dozens of Army vehicles including Abrams tanks, a flyover and a parachute jump.
9:45 p.m. Fireworks on the National Mall.
