A massive military parade is scheduled to begin at 6:30 pm ET on Saturday along Constitution Avenue NW near the National Mall, commemorating the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary, President Donald Trump's 79th birthday and Flag Day, according to The Guardian. Estimated to cost between $25 million and $45 million, the event has sparked controversy and protests.
The parade will span from 23rd Street NW to 15th Street NW and feature 6,600 to 7,500 troops, 150 vehicles—including 28 M1 Abrams tanks, 28 Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles, and 4 Paladin howitzers—alongside 50 aircraft such as Apache and Black Hawk helicopters. The procession will also include 34 horses, two mules and one dog, according to Yahoo News. The U.S. Army's Golden Knights will parachute in to present a flag to Trump, followed by a concert featuring country singers Scotty Hasting, Noah Hicks and DJ Nyla Symone. To minimize street damage from heavy vehicles, the Army plans to use rubber pads and steel plates and will oversee repairs, per The Guardian.
