All the details / The 250th anniversary parade of the American Army takes place today

2025-06-14 19:39:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

All the details / The 250th anniversary parade of the American Army takes place

US President Donald Trump's grand military festival and parade celebrating the 250th anniversary of the US Army is a major event this Saturday and will continue until late in the evening.

The 250th anniversary of the US Army's Grand Military Parade will cap off a daylong festival filled with music, fireworks and a fitness competition. The grandeur and circumstance also coincide with Trump's 79th birthday.

"For two and a half centuries, the men and women of the American Military have dominated our enemies and defended our freedom at home. This parade salutes the extraordinary strength and indomitable spirit of our soldiers. You don't want to miss it. Just don't miss this. It's going to be amazing," Trump said in a video posted to Truth Social in early June.

Here's everything you need to know about the 250th anniversary of the US Army's Grand Military Parade.

What do military parades and festivals celebrate?

The parade and military festival celebrate the 250th anniversary of the American Army. On June 14, 1775, the Second Continental Congress voted to establish the Continental Army, organizers say, marking the creation of America's first national military force more than a year before the Declaration of Independence.

What time is the military parade?

The parade is from 6:30-7:45 pm local time, Saturday, June 14.

All the details / The 250th anniversary parade of the American Army takes place

What is the full schedule of the military festival?

Here's a look at the full festival schedule, according to the US Army:

8:15 a.m.: Wreath laying ceremony hosted by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth at Arlington National Cemetery.

9:30 a.m. to noon: Fitness competition and awards ceremony.

11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.: Music and entertainment provided by the U.S. Army Band, Latin Music Ensemble, DJ Nyla, and the U.S. Army Drill Teams.

12:30-1:00 PM ET: Noah Hicks performance on the main stage

1:00 PM-2:00 PM: NFL "Skills and Training" Event

13:30-13:45: Recognition of the Medal of Honor winners

14:00-14:50: Scott Hastings performance on the main stage

14:45-15:00: Special Presentation of Army Astronauts

16:15-17:00: Official ceremony of the 250th Anniversary of the Army's Birthday Festival with cake cutting

18:30: Start of the parade

19:45-20:00: Recruitment ceremony, concert at the Ellipse and fireworks

All the details / The 250th anniversary parade of the American Army takes place

What is the military parade route?

The parade will take place along Constitution Avenue NW, starting at Constitution Avenue NW and 23rd Street and ending at 15th Street along the National Mall, near the National Museum of African American History and Culture./CNA