PresidentDonald Trump'smulti-million dollarfestival and paradecelebrating the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army kicks off Saturday morning, June 14 and will continue late into the evening –rain or shine, the White House says. The 250th Birthday of the U.S. Army GrandMilitary Paradewill conclude a day-long festival,full of music, fireworks and a fitness competition. The pomp and circumstance also coincides with Trump's79th birthday. "For two and a half centuries, the men and women of America's Army have dominated our enemies and protected our freedom at home," Trump said in avideoposted to Truth Social in early June. "This parade salutes our soldiers' remarkable strength and unbeatable spirit. You won't want to miss it. Just don't miss this one. It's going to be good." Here's everything to know about the 250th Birthday of the U.S. Army Grand Military Parade. The military parade and festival celebrates the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army. On June 14, 1775, the Second Continental Congress voted to establish the Continental Army, organizers say, marking the creation of America's first national military force more than a year before the Declaration of Independence. The parade is 6:30-7:45 p.m. ET on Saturday, June 14. Here's a look at the fullfestival schedule*, per theU.S. Army: 8:15 a.m.:Wreath-laying ceremony hosted by Secretary of DefensePete Hegsethat Arlington National Cemetery 9:30 a.m. to noon:Fitness competition and awards ceremony 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.:Music and entertainment provided by the U.S. Army Band, Latin Music Ensemble, DJ Nyla and U.S. Army Drill Teams 12:30-1 p.m. ET:Noah Hicks performance on main stage 1-2 p.m.:NFL "Skills and Drills" event 1:30-1:45 p.m.:Medal of Honors recipients recognition 2-2:50 p.m.:Scott Hastings performance on main stage 2:45-3 p.m.:Army Astronaut Special Presention 4:15-5 p.m.:250th Army Birthday Festival official ceremony with cake cutting 6:30 p.m.:Parade begins 7:45-8 p.m.:Enlistment ceremony, concert at the Ellipse and fireworks *The times listed in the above schedule are in eastern time. The parade will take place along Constitution Avenue NW, starting on Constitution Avenue NW and 23rd Street and ending on 15th Street alongside the National Mall, near the National Museum of African American History and Culture. It is next to the Smithsonian Metro Station NW entrance, which will be closed, organizers say, though the Smithsonian Metro Station SW entrance will be open. Yes, the military parade is free. Tickets are not required, but those who register on theU.S. Army event websitemay get a good view of the procession. Prospective attendees will need to provide their full name, phone number, email and address. Attendees are limited to two RSVPs per phone number. To learn more or RSVP, visitevents.america250.org/events/250th-anniversary-of-the-us-army-grand-military-parade-and-celebration. A full list of road closures is availablehere. USA TODAY will stream the military parade on itsYouTube channel.The livestream is also at the top of this story. A full round-up of TV broadcast plans, including CNN, NBC and Fox News, can be foundhere. Officials initially estimated theArmy Birthday Festivaland parade would range in cost from $25 million to $45 million, but the Army's latest estimate totaled $40 million, asUSA TODAY's Tom Vanden Brook previously reported, citing a Defense official who was not authorized to speak publicly. Trump has said that the Saturday parade will go on,rain or shine, even though the National Weather Service's forecast, as of Friday afternoon, showed a60% chain of rain. "I hope the weather's okay, but actually if it's not, that brings you good luck, and that's okay, too,"Trump saidon June 12, during the congressional picnic at the White House. "It doesn't matter. It doesn't affect the tanks at all, it doesn't affect the soldiers. They're used to it. They're tough. Smart." Thelast major military parade, the National Victory Celebration, was held on June 8, 1991 to celebrate the end of the Gulf War. Contributing: Tom Vanden Brook, Amaris Encinas and Fernando Cervantes Jr., USA TODAY Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Story idea? Email her atgcross@usatoday.com. Kathryn Palmer is a national trending news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her atkapalmer@usatoday.comand on X @KathrynPlmr. This story was updated to add a video. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Trump's DC military parade 2025: Time, schedule, route, how to watch
