See photos: The last large-scale military parade in Washington DC in 1991
Thousands of soldiers, military equipment, musical performances and more are set for this weekend in Washington D.C. for the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary celebration.
Happening along the National Mall on Saturday, June 14, the event is also falling on the same day as President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday, but the administration has insisted that the Army’s anniversary and Trump’s birthday are a coincidence and that the parade is justified to honor soldiers’ sacrifice.
Army parachutists jumping from aircraft are set to land and give Trump an American flag for his birthday, Pentagon officials said, according to Axios.
A rare sight in Washington D.C., the last major military parade was held in 1991 to celebrate the end of the first Gulf War. Before 1991, large-scale military parades were held following the American victory in World War I and World War II.
According to the National Park Service, "debates over military policy" that occurred during the Korean and Vietnam wars forced parades to be more "subdued."
Photos: The last large military parade in Washington DC
A Marine waves to the crowd gathered near the Lincoln Memorial as he drives a vehicle in the National Victory Celebration parade.
Troops that participated in Operation Desert Storm march past the Lincoln Memorial in the nations capital during the National Victory Celebration parade on June 8, 1991 in Washington, DC.
M1A1 Abraham tanks parade down Constitution avenue in a victory parade in the nation's capital to honor troops that served in the Gulf War. The parade was led by Desert Storm Commander General Norman Schwarzkopf and ended with the singing of God Bless America.
Contributing: Kathryn Palmer and staff, USA TODAY
Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him at [email protected] and follow him on X @fern_cerv_.
