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WafricNews - June 6, 2025

Washington, DC - In a historic display of military might not seen in the U.S. capital for decades, the United States Army is preparing to roll out an estimated seven million pounds of tanks, artillery, and armored vehicles through the streets of Washington, DC. The massive parade, set for June 14, is timed to mark the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army — but it also reignites a long-standing ambition of former President Donald Trump.

While the parade is being framed as a patriotic tribute, concerns are mounting over the strain such military hardware could place on the aging roads and fragile infrastructure of the capital. Still, organizers insist that advanced engineering precautions are being put in place.

A Monumental Undertaking

According to military officials, the parade will include M1-A1 Abrams tanks, Stryker and Bradley fighting vehicles, and a wide array of Howitzers and artillery — all part of a coordinated effort to showcase the evolution of the U.S. Army from the Revolutionary War era to present day.

Around 7,000 soldiers are expected to participate. Heavy equipment is currently en route from Fort Cavazos, Texas, and will be transported via train to Jessup, Maryland, before being moved into DC on flatbed trucks.

The Cost of Power

The total cost of the parade could rise to $45 million, officials have said — a price tag that has already drawn scrutiny from fiscal watchdogs and infrastructure planners. The Army Corps of Engineers has spent over $3 million so far to protect Washington’s roads, laying down steel plates, installing track pads on vehicles, and creating buffer zones to prevent damage.

Colonel Jesse Curry, one of the chief engineers overseeing preparations, stated that "every reasonable precaution" is being taken to ensure the safety of both the roads and the city’s underground utilities. Curry emphasized the "very low" risk of damaging infrastructure, noting that gas and electric lines typically run beneath sidewalks rather than roads.

“If we’re driving on sidewalks,” he said frankly, “something went really wrong.”

U.S. Army personnel load and secure military tanks for transport to Washington, D.C., Thursday, May 22, 2025, at Fort Cavazos near Killeen, Texas
A Trump-Era Vision Revived

Although the Army birthday celebration has been in the works for two years, the parade itself was fast-tracked just two months ago, a nod to Donald Trump’s original vision during his presidency for a full-scale military showcase in Washington. That plan was shelved at the time amid backlash and a staggering $100 million cost estimate.

This year’s version is narrower in scope — focusing solely on the Army — but still massive in scale.

What to Expect

The parade will begin near the Lincoln Memorial, follow Constitution Avenue, and conclude at 15th and Independence Avenue. Each segment of the parade will highlight a different chapter of U.S. military history, including:

World War I:

  • Dodge Staff Car

  • Renault Tank

World War II:

  • Willys Jeeps

  • Sherman Tanks

  • Half-Tracks

  • M14 Tractor

  • 37mm Anti-Tank Gun

Vietnam War:

  • M151 Jeeps

  • Cargo Trucks

  • M274 Mule

Gulf War:

  • M181 Vehicles

  • Bradley Fighting Vehicles

  • Howitzers

Global War on Terror:

  • 18 Strykers

Modern Era:

  • M777 Artillery

  • Abrams Tanks

  • Joint Light Tactical Vehicles

  • ISV Utility Vehicles

Sky High: 50+ Helicopters in Flyover

The ground spectacle will be matched by an “extensive” aerial display, featuring over 50 helicopters, including Black Hawks, Chinooks, and Apaches. In a climactic finale, the Golden Knights parachute team will descend over the parade and present Donald Trump with an American flag, the only portion involving the former president directly.

Infrastructure vs. Ideals

While supporters hail the parade as a proud moment of national unity, some civic and infrastructure authorities remain concerned about lasting damage. Utilities like Washington Gas, DC Water, and Pepco have all been consulted, with contingency measures in place should any complications arise along the equipment’s path through the city.

Yet, despite reassurances, questions linger: Is the capital’s infrastructure prepared to withstand this level of military spectacle — and at what cost?

As the world watches, Washington prepares for a display of strength that is as much about symbolism as it is about firepower.


By Wafricnews Desk.

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