Preparations have transformed the city into a fortress. A convoy of heavy military hardware—28 Abrams tanks, 56 Stryker and Bradley vehicles, and several artillery pieces—has been rolled into position near the Lincoln Memorial. These steel beasts, each weighing over 60 tons, will lead the parade down the National Mall in a display of raw firepower. It’s not just the machines on show either. Roughly 6,600 troops from 11 different Army units are set to march, joined by a pair of mules, 34 horses, and even a ceremonial dog for good measure.
In the skies, military aircraft will thunder overhead while parachutists drop in and seven military bands belt out patriotic tunes. The whole production kicks off with an 8:00 a.m. wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. The main parade steps off at 6:30 p.m., and the evening will wrap up with a fireworks display around 9:45 p.m.
Security is tight. Fencing now lines key streets, and road and bridge closures have brought parts of the city to a standstill. Much of northwest D.C., particularly near the White House and the National Mall, is under lockdown to accommodate both the equipment and the expected crush of spectators. Authorities are planning for a crowd that could reach into the hundreds of thousands, and they’ve even lined up seat fillers to ensure optics stay on point.
But not everyone’s waving flags. The parade has drawn sharp criticism from both sides of the aisle. Detractors argue that tying a military celebration to the president’s birthday smacks of political theater, and they’re not thrilled about the projected $25–45 million price tag either. Protests—especially the “No Kings” rallies—are expected to erupt along the parade route, prompting an even greater National Guard presence and emergency response preparation.
Today, D.C. won’t just be hosting a parade. It’ll be the stage for a full-blown national spectacle—equal parts military celebration, logistical feat, and political flashpoint.
You’ll want to check that out.
Massive amounts of heavy military equipment and vehicles are on full display in D.C. ahead of the Army’s 250th Anniversary parade.
They’re going all out. This is about to make history. 🇺🇸
Check it out: pic.twitter.com/WNNysy1McJ
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) June 12, 2025
Police Arrest Veterans and Family Members in DC Protests
Roughly 60 protesters, most of them U.S. military veterans and their family members, were arrested in Washington, D.C. during demonstrations against the military parade set for June 14, 2025. The protest began peacefully near the Supreme Court, organized by groups like About Face: Veterans Against the War and Veterans for Peace. But things escalated quickly once the group moved toward the Capitol.
According to police, the trouble started when some demonstrators pushed over a bike rack barrier and rushed past a police line, making their way to the Capitol Rotunda steps. Many sat down and refused to move, holding banners that read things like “Vets Say Military off our Streets.” Their message was clear: they see the parade as a waste of taxpayer money and a symbol of unnecessary militarization in the nation’s capital. Instead of tanks on display, they want that money spent on housing, healthcare, and other social services.
The group included veterans from nearly every major U.S. conflict since Vietnam. One older vet, reportedly using a walker, was among those taken into custody. All are facing charges for unlawful demonstration and crossing a police line, and a few were also charged with assaulting officers and resisting arrest. Two protesters ended up in the hospital following the clash.
Organizers stressed that their goal wasn’t to cause chaos, but to speak out—peacefully at first—against what they view as a political stunt. They say they were standing up for the same freedoms they once wore the uniform to defend.
One elderly veteran was originally returned to the group and then pushed past the fence back to the Capitol plaza. Officers offered to return him again but he said he wanted to be with the rest of the protesters. They cuffed him and loaded into the vans. pic.twitter.com/aObDowZc8z
— Carolina Lumetta (@CarolinaLumetta) June 13, 2025
Marines to Protect Federal Building in LA
About 200 U.S. Marines have been deployed to Los Angeles to protect the Wilshire Federal Building as protests continue over the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown. This marks the first time Marines have been assigned to such a mission in the city. The move was ordered by the Secretary of Defense, despite strong objections from California Governor Gavin Newsom.
The Marines—specifically from the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment—are replacing California National Guard troops who had been guarding the building in downtown LA. This change frees up the National Guard to support federal law enforcement elsewhere in the city. The Marines are not authorized to make arrests or act as law enforcement; their mission is strictly to protect federal property and personnel. Any arrests will be handled by local police.
Before being deployed, the Marines received quick training in how to handle civil unrest. That included de-escalation tactics and legal briefings on how and when they can use force. They’re outfitted with riot gear—helmets, batons, shields, and gas masks—but their rifles are unloaded for this assignment. The deployment is controversial because these are combat-trained troops with little experience in crowd control, raising concerns about using active-duty military for a mission that usually falls to police or the National Guard.
Officials are comparing their role here to the duties Marines perform guarding U.S. embassies overseas—protect the building, stay out of politics, and don’t wade into the protests unless absolutely necessary. But with tensions running high and more demonstrations expected throughout the weekend, their presence is already drawing scrutiny from both legal experts and political leaders.
Just in Marines will be move to protect federal buildings in LA. pic.twitter.com/BqAKBDJQvQ
— RAPID REACTION (@ElomSaviou52889) June 13, 2025
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