The U.S. Army has confirmed that it will not incorporate any recognition of President Donald Trump’s birthday into its 250th anniversary celebrations on June 14, despite his prominent role in the event.
President Trump, who turns 79 on the same day, will be featured in the Army’s anniversary activities, which include a parachute demonstration where soldiers will present him with a folded flag. The Army is also organizing a parade along Washington’s Constitution Avenue, a major thoroughfare in the capital.
The parade, a recent addition to the planned festivities, has drawn criticism from Democratic lawmakers and others who allege that President Trump has politicized the event.
In response to inquiries about whether the Army planned to acknowledge the president’s birthday, Army spokesperson Steve Warren stated, “I don’t think we have a plan for that.”
“This has been the Army’s birthday… We’ve had 249 previous of these,” Warren told reporters at the Pentagon. “We’re excited that the commander-in-chief is interested in the Army’s 250th anniversary and that he will want to view it.”
The Army’s anniversary celebrations are estimated to cost between $25 million and $45 million and will feature M1A1 Abrams tanks and other heavy military vehicles in a parade showcasing the Army’s history.
Army officials have indicated that measures are being taken to protect Washington, D.C., streets from potential damage caused by the tanks, including the placement of metal plates in certain areas. While no damage is anticipated, the Army has committed to covering any unforeseen repair costs.
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