Detailed plans for a large military parade on Donald Trump’s birthday have emerged – involving thousands of soldiers as well as hundreds of tanks and helicopters.
Blueprints seen by the AP news agency suggest the event would feature seven army bands, parachute jumps and historical vehicles, followed by a concert and fireworks in the evening.
But the plans to showcase armoured fighting vehicles, Howitzers and tanks have raised concerns about potential damage to Washington DC’s roads.
Donald Trump has long wanted a big military parade. After seeing one in France on Bastille Day in 2017, he called for an even grander event to take place on Pennsylvania Avenue.
Those plans were abandoned the following year because of high costs, with some estimates suggesting the display of America’s military might would command a £69m price tag.
The latest proposals come as the US Army plans to mark its 250th anniversary on 14 June, which happens to coincide with the president turning 79.
According to the documents, more than 6,600 soldiers, 150 vehicles, 50 helicopters and more than 2,000 civilians would be involved.
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Beyond the logistics of accommodating and feeding service personnel, it would also be costly to move military vehicles and aircraft from across the US.
One file warns of “significant concerns regarding security requirements” as equipment is brought in by train or flown in.
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Army spokesman Col Dave Butler said: “We want to make it into an event that the entire nation can celebrate with us. We want Americans to know their Army and their soldiers.
“A parade might become part of that, and we think that will be an excellent addition to what we already have planned.”
Washington DC’s mayor, Muriel Bowser, has warned tanks rolling through the streets “would not be good”.
Last month, she said: “If military tanks were used, they should be accompanied with many millions of dollars to repair the roads.”
