250th Anniversary Parade of the US Army Held
Expanded Significantly After Trump Took Office
Coincides with Trump's Birthday... "Will Not Be Highlighted"
Concerns have been raised that the parade in Washington DC to mark the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States Army could result in road damage amounting to billions of won. On June 9 (local time), Yonhap News cited the Washington Post (WP), reporting that "on June 14, a parade will be held in the capital, Washington DC, to commemorate both President Donald Trump's birthday and the 250th anniversary of the Army's founding, and the city is expected to suffer road damage as a result."
Washington DC ahead of the 250th anniversary parade of the United States Army. Photo by AFP Yonhap News
This parade will feature 28 Abrams tanks, the main battle tanks of the US Army, participating in the street march. Each Abrams tank weighs about 70 tons, which is nearly twice the maximum weight (about 36 tons) that Washington DC roads are designed to support. In addition, 28 Stryker armored vehicles, about 100 other vehicles, a B-25 bomber from World War II, 34 horses, 2 mules, 1 military dog, and 6,600 soldiers will participate in the parade, while 50 helicopters will fly overhead.
Local media outlet NBC Washington estimated that "road damage could total $16 million (about 2.17 billion won)." Muriel Bowser, the mayor of Washington DC, also stated, "We have worked really hard to keep our roads in good condition," expressing concern about potential road damage. She explained that "if the roads are damaged, the city will likely repair them using its own budget and then bill the federal government for the costs."
WP pointed out that "in addition to road damage, the city is expected to incur costs for trash collection, road closures, and police overtime," but the Army authorities have not responded regarding compensation for these expenses. The Army is estimated to bear costs ranging from $25 million (about 3.39 billion won) to $45 million (about 6.1 billion won) for this parade, while the costs to be incurred by the federal and city governments remain uncertain.
Soldiers and staff are working to unload heavy equipment and military vehicles to be used in the 250th anniversary parade of the United States Army. Photo by Reuters Yonhap News
However, Army spokesperson Steve Warren countered that "$16 million is an initial estimate of the costs that could arise if no mitigation efforts are made, and represents a worst-case scenario." According to him, the tanks will march at walking speed, and rubber pads are being attached to the metal tank tracks to act as a buffer between the tracks and the road surface. In addition, steel plates will be laid down at points where the roads may be weak to protect them.
The Army applied for a permit to hold the 250th anniversary event in Washington DC in June last year, during the Biden administration. At that time, the plan was for a small-scale event with up to 300 soldiers and civilian employees participating, the Army band performing, and four cannons firing celebratory salutes.
However, according to WP, after taking office, President Trump admired the parades of other countries and wanted a grand event, and the Army also did not miss the opportunity to showcase its military might. Coincidentally, the day of the parade is also President Trump's 79th birthday. However, Army officials have stated that "there are no plans to sing a birthday song for President Trump or to highlight his birthday."
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