Two and a half centuries after the Continental Congress established America’s first national military force, the U.S. Army is celebrating its 250th birthday today with a massive parade through Washington D.C. that coincides with President Trump’s 79th birthday and launches the nation’s preparations for its own 250th anniversary.

More than 6,600 soldiers, 150 military vehicles including over two dozen 60-ton M1 Abrams tanks, and 50 aircraft are participating in what officials describe as the largest military parade in the nation’s capital since the end of the Persian Gulf War in 1991. The procession will feature troops in period uniforms representing every major American conflict from the Revolutionary War to the present, with corresponding vintage aircraft flying overhead as each historical era marches past.

“For two and a half centuries, the men and women of America’s Army have dominated our enemies and protected our freedom at home,” Trump said in a video posted to Truth Social earlier this month. “This parade salutes our soldiers’ remarkable strength and unbeatable spirit. You won’t want to miss it. Just don’t miss this one. It’s going to be good.”

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth opened the celebration at 8:15 this morning with a solemn wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington. The action then shifts to the National Mall, where military demonstrations, fitness contests, and Golden Knights parachute are on display. At 6:30 p.m., tanks and troops will roll down Constitution Avenue from 23rd Street to 15th Street, concluding with an enlistment ceremony, concert at the Ellipse, and fireworks display.

With the parade happening to also fall on his 79th birthday, President Trump dismissed concerns this morning that a forecast of thunderstorms might force a cancellation.

“Our great military parade is on, rain or shine,” Mr. Trump wrote in all capital letters in a post on Truth Social. “Remember, a rainy day parade brings good luck. I’ll see you all in D.C.”

Under National Park Service protocols, any lightning detected within seven miles of the parade route would trigger a shelter-in-place order for the permitted event. Park Service officials would immediately notify the Pentagon, leaving the final call on whether to proceed or halt the parade to the White House and Army leadership.