Hundreds of military vehicles and aircraft will take to the streets and skies of D.C. on June 14 as part of a military parade and celebration of the 250th birthday of the U.S. Army.
The event brings with it sizable financial and travel impacts, and may have an impact on the District’s streets as well.
But President Donald Trump’s administration said the cost will be well worth it in order to tell the story of the Army and boost pride in the nation’s military, along with potentially assisting military recruitment efforts.
Here are the answers to some common questions surrounding the spectacle.
- Q:
When is the parade?
- A:
The parade begins at 6:30 p.m. and ends at 7:30 p.m., but the celebration includes more than just the parade. Afterward, a concert at the Ellipse begins at 7:30 p.m. and a fireworks show starts at 9:45 p.m. Before the parade, there will be a fitness competition at 9:30 a.m. and a festival beginning at 11 a.m. that includes an NFL kids zone and military demonstrations, along with other activities.
- Q:
Where is the festival and parade?
- A:
The festival and parade will take place on and along the National Mall. The parade starts at 23rd Street and Constitution Avenue NW and travels down Constitution Avenue along the National Mall, ending at 15th Street and Constitution Avenue NW.
The Army said the south side of Constitution Avenue is the best viewing area.
The earlier festival is on the National Mall, just past the parade’s finishing point. The entrance to the festival is on 7th Street NW.
Click map to enlarge. (Courtesy U.S. Army)
- Q:
How can I attend the parade and festival?
- A:
The festival and parade are both free and open to the public. However, registering in advance will help you get through security quicker, according to the Army. Registration for the festival and parade is available through America250’s event registration portal.
- Q:
What can I expect to see in the parade?
- A:
Some of the Army’s most impressive vehicles and aircraft will be on display during the event, including Abrams tanks, Paladins and Strykers, as well as Black Hawk, Apache and Chinook helicopters. A full list and pictures of the equipment that will be on display during the parade are available online. The parade will also include 6,600 soldiers in uniform from the past and present. After the parade, the Army Golden Knights will perform a parachute demonstration.
- Q:
How will the parade impact area roads and travel?
- A:
Road closures will be announced later this week by D.C. police.
Flights to and from Reagan National Airport in Arlington, Virginia, will be suspended for 90 minutes on the evening of June 14, during the military parade.
- Q:
How much will the parade cost?
- A:
The parade is estimated to cost between $25 to $40 million. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll said the broad estimate is due to the fact that it is unclear whether tanks used in the parade will inflict damage on D.C. roads.
- Q:
Will there be changes to Capital Bikeshare for the parade?
- A:
While you will be able to use Capital Bikeshare throughout the military parade to get around, there will be changes to where you can get a bike to ride.
The following stations will be closed for the military parade:
- 21st & E St NW
- 23rd & E St NW
- 22nd St & Constitution Ave NW
- Henry Bacon Dr & Lincoln Memorial Circle NW
- Rock Creek Pkwy & Pkwy Dr NW
- Lincoln Memorial
- 17th St & New York Ave NW
- 19th & E Street NW
- Virginia Ave & C St NW
- 20th St & Virginia Ave NW
- 20th & E St NW
- 15th St & New York Ave NW
- 15th St & Pennsylvania Ave NW
- 15th St & Constitution Ave NW
- Smithsonian-National Mall / Jefferson Dr & 12th St SW
- USDA / 12th & C St SW
- Jefferson Dr & 14th St SW
- 17th St & Independence Ave SW
- 18th & C St NW
- 19th St & Constitution Ave NW
- Ohio Dr & West Basin Dr SW / MLK & FDR Memorials
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