WASHINGTON – The U.S. Army’s 250th birthday celebration is on Saturday, June 14. Here’s what you need to know about what to expect – and how to watch FOX 5’s coverage.
What time is the military ?
The Army 250th birthday begins at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 14. Guest entry along the route is expected to begin at 2:00 p.m.
Ahead of the are two events on the National Mall.
The Army Fitness Competition and Awards Ceremony is from 9:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.
The Army’s birthday festival begins at 11:00 a.m., featuring live military demonstrations, military tanks and more.
Following the , a concert will kick off at 7:30 p.m. followed by fireworks.
What to expect
The event coincides with the 79th birthday of President Donald Trump. Army officials estimate that around 200,000 people will attend the evening event.
The event will feature:
- 6,000+ soldiers
- 150 military vehicles — including 70-ton Abrams tanks
- Black Hawk helicopters and more
- Flyovers
- A performance by the U.S. ‘Golden Knights’ Parachute Team
In addition to the military vehicles, thousands of troops will march in formation, wearing uniforms representing every U.S. conflict dating back to the Revolutionary War.
The Army birthday celebration had already been planned for months but earlier this spring, Trump announced his intention to transform the event into a massive military complete with 60-ton M1 Abrams battle tanks and Paladin self-propelled howitzers rolling through the city streets.
Attendees are encouraged to register here. You’re allowed to register up to 2 tickets per phone number.
The tickets are first come, first served, per America 250.
Security
Thousands of Secret Service and FBI agents are being brought in from across the country, along with all of MPD and U.S. Park Police.
There will be nearly 19 miles of barricades around the and festival, 175 magnetometers for public screening and drones overhead for aerial surveillance.
“The mission is not just to secure an event, but to ensure public confidence in safety. We want every attendee to feel secure — that’s why we are leaving no stone unturned,” said Matt McCool, U.S. Secret Service.
Will the military be canceled?
With the forecast calling for rain all weekend, what we don’t know is if thunderstorms will disrupt the day’s planned activities.
There is a 60% chance of rain on June 14, according to the National Weather Service. Showers are likely in the afternoon with the possibility of a thunderstorm between 5pm and 8pm – prime time for the ‘s scheduled time of 6:30 p.m.
FOX 5 Meteorologist Mike Thomas says severe weather could be possible on Saturday – but we won’t know until we get closer to.
Sunday is not looking much better, with a 70% chance of precipitation and thunderstorms possible throughout the afternoon and evening, per NWS.
The 150 military vehicles should be fine in stormy weather. But any flyovers, helicopters, fireworks and the planned performance by the U.S. ‘Golden Knights’ Parachute Team could be in jeopardy depending on weather conditions. And with up to 200,000 expected attendees, the chance of lightning could be a major issue.
Officials say as of Friday morning that there are no changes to Saturday’s plans, but FOX 5 DC will keep you updated about any potential changes.
Military route
The will go down Constitution Avenue, from 23rd Street to 15th Street.
“The will trace the Army’s evolution from the Revolutionary War through to the U.S. Army of Tomorrow. Attendees will experience 250 years of Army heritage through historical U.S. Army personnel reenactors, period-accurate equipment, vehicles, impressive flyovers, and military bands participating in this landmark event,” according to a statement from America 250.
How to watch the military on television and online
FOX 5 DC will be covering the , fireworks and festival events all day on June 14. Watch for free on the FOX LOCAL app, available on your smart TV and phone.
Here’s how to download FOX LOCAL on your devices.
Road closures for military
Officials say to expect traffic and widespread road closures.
Click here for a list of all closures.
Avoid driving to the and opt for Metro instead. Metro’s Smithsonanian Station will be closed on June 14. Festivalgoers are encouraged to use L’Enfant Plaza, Federal Center SW, or Archives–Navy Memorial stations. Parade viewers should consider Farragut West, Farragut North, Federal Triangle, or Archives–Navy Memorial for better access.
READ MORE: How to take Metro to get to the National Mall
DCA to close on June 14 for military
Reagan National Airport is expected to close on June 14 for up to four hours during the U.S. Army’s 250th birthday celebration.
DCA’s closure is to accommodate for military flyovers, parachute jumps and fireworks on June 14.
The closure is expected to affect travelers with scheduled flights for the evening of June 14, according to the airport.
What is still unknown is the exact timing of the closures. The Washington Post reports that the airport could be closed starting at 6 p.m. for three to four hours. Weather and timing of the day’s activities would affect the timing and length of the closure.
READ MORE: DCA to close for several hours on June 14 for military
