Washington prepares to celebrate this June 14th

Washington is preparing for a massive military parade to commemorate the Army's anniversary and Donald Trump's birthday. But nationwide protests are also taking place.

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A massive military parade is scheduled for June 14 in honor of the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army, which will coincide with Donald Trump's 79th birthday.

According to the agency Associated Press (AP), the event, which will take place next Saturday in the US capital, is classified as a National Security Special Event, a status granted only to large-scale gatherings such as presidential inaugurations or state funerals.

The event involves unprecedented security coordination between federal and local agencies, including the FBI, the Washington National Guard, the Capitol Police, and the Secret Service, which is leading the operations.

Matt McCall, Secret Service representative in Washington, He announced that a massive turnout of between 200,000 and “hundreds of thousands” of people is expected.To this end, more than 18 miles of security fencing, 175 magnetometers at checkpoints, and aerial surveillance with drones will be deployed, even though DC airspace is usually restricted to these aircraft.

City authorities warn of potential significant traffic disruptions and recommend that attendees use public transportation or arrive early. 

What will the celebration include?

The celebration, which will culminate with a military parade at 6 p.m., will feature 60-ton M1 Abrams tanks and self-propelled artillery. To reduce damage to the road surface, the Army plans to pre-pave and install rubber protectors on the vehicles' tracks. as Matt McCall told AP.

Logistical preparations began on May 21. More than 6,700 soldiers from various bases across the country will be stationed at the event; they will be housed in federal buildings downtown until June 15. In addition to ground troops, prominent personnel such as Colonel Anne McClain, an Army astronaut currently on the International Space Station, will be present.

The festive schedule for June 14, which also marks President Donald Trump's birthday, includes concerts, fitness demonstrations, appearances by NFL players, fireworks, and activities throughout the National Mall. 

The estimated cost of the celebration is between 25 and 45 million dollars.

However, several protests have been called for that day, the most notable being the march “No Kings,” which will reach the White House. However, authorities are closely monitoring the potential repercussions of recent riots in other cities, such as Los Angeles.

Despite this, the FBI reported that there are no credible threats so far. The symbolic closing of the parade will be a parachute jump by the Army Golden Knights, who plan to land near Trump to present him with a flag. During that same ceremony, 250 new recruits will take the oath of service before him.

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Sources:

AP News