Not Marking Trump’s Birthday, Just Our 250th Anniv, Says Army
Photo: Twitter
India-West News Desk
WASHINGTON, DC — The U.S. Army confirmed on May 21 that it has no intention of formally acknowledging former President Donald Trump’s birthday during its upcoming 250th anniversary celebrations on June 14 — even though Trump, who turns 79 that day, will play a prominent role in the event.
Trump is expected to preside over key portions of the milestone celebration, which will feature a dramatic flag presentation by Army paratroopers and a military parade down Constitution Avenue, a major artery in the nation’s capital.
The parade, a new addition this year, has drawn criticism from Democratic lawmakers and others who say Trump is using the occasion to draw attention to himself. Even in his first term, Trump had wanted a parade drawing attention to the parades in North Korea and Russia. The President is also known for his love of saluting. Having evaded joining the US defense forces with his famed bone spur, Trump was seen in North Korea and recently in the Middle East sketching salutes.
Army spokesperson Steve Warren downplayed the overlap between the event and Trump’s birthday.
“This has always been the Army’s birthday. We’ve had 249 of them before,” Warren told reporters at the Pentagon. “We’re pleased the commander-in-chief wants to be part of this historic celebration, but there are no plans to mark his birthday.”
The enhanced celebration is expected to cost the Army between $25 million and $45 million. It will include heavy military hardware such as M1A1 Abrams tanks — a rare spectacle in the capital. Army officials said they are taking precautions to protect city infrastructure by placing metal plates in key areas to avoid street damage. If any damage does occur, officials said, the Army will cover repair costs.
The event is intended to commemorate the Army’s founding in 1775, one year before the Declaration of Independence. Despite the controversy, officials emphasized the focus remains on honoring the service and legacy of the nation’s oldest military branch.
Manny
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What a negatively toned article clubbed with such a stupid picture. I am this close to stop reading unless the publication balances its news desk writers profile.
May 23, 2025Kikma
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The article seems to focus heavily on the controversy surrounding Trump’s involvement in the Army’s celebration, but it’s worth considering the broader significance of the event itself. The Army’s 249th anniversary is a milestone that deserves recognition, regardless of political undertones. While the cost of the parade is substantial, it’s important to weigh it against the value of honoring military service and history. The precautions taken to protect city infrastructure show a level of responsibility, but I wonder if the funds could have been allocated differently to support veterans or active-duty personnel. Do you think the parade is an effective way to commemorate the Army’s legacy, or does it risk overshadowing the occasion with political drama? I’d love to hear your thoughts on whether such events truly serve their intended purpose or if they’ve become more about spectacle than substance.
May 23, 2025