


A military parade planned for next month could cost up to $45 million and is expected to include up to two dozen M1 Abrams tanks rolling through the streets of Washington, two defense officials said Thursday.
The parade, according to the Army’s website, will take place June 14, which is both the date of the Army’s 250th anniversary and President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday.
The officials who spoke about the costs said that the estimate, previously reported by Reuters, did not include the cleanup or repairs from damage to Washington’s roads from the tank traffic. They spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal planning
The Army has said the parade will include 150 vehicles, 50 warplanes and the participation of more than 6,600 soldiers.
The thousands of visiting soldiers in Washington for the parade will stay in unused government buildings and sleep on cots, according to the Army. They will be provided three daily meals and a stipend, the Pentagon has said.
The anniversary celebration is expected to include a daylong festival with musical performances and displays of equipment.
Trump also proposed a military parade for Veterans Day in November during his first term, but the notion was derailed by members of his administration over cost concerns.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has said the parade is intended to honor the sacrifice of U.S. troops who helped secure the country’s independence.