WASHINGTON — D.C. is preparing for another huge influx of visitors, as it gears up to host the hundreds of thousands of people waiting to see a large-scale military parade, the first of its kind since the 1990s.
Saturday marks the 250th anniversary of the United States Army, and officials are planning a full-day festival, followed by a parade, a concert and fireworks. With more than 6,600 soldiers and 150 military vehicles, including tanks weighing up to 70 tons, the event is expected to draw an estimated 200,000 spectators. The parade route stretches roughly a mile from 23rd Street to 15th Street NW along Constitution, with heavy impacts to traffic, public transportation, and pedestrian access expected throughout the day.
Law enforcement officials from several agencies, including the FBI, Secret Service, Park Police and DC Police, outlined a massive security plan at a press briefing Monday that they feel confident will ensure the safety of spectators and participants.
Security Operation Underway
The parade represents one of the largest security operations in recent D.C. history, requiring coordination between multiple federal and local agencies to protect the crowd expected to attend. The event has been designated a National Special Security Event (NSSE), meaning it falls under the oversight of the Secret Service and involves a coordinated security effort across local, state and federal agencies…