The United States does not have any major celebration organized for this May 8th, the “Victory Day” marking the 80th anniversary of the defeat over Nazi Germany in Europe. There is also nothing announced for September 2nd, when it will be eight decades since Japan’s surrender and the official end of World War II. But for this June 15th, Donald Trump wants to hold a grand military parade in Washington for “Flag Day”... What else happens on that day? It’s his birthday.
This was confirmed by the President of the United States in an interview aired this Sunday on the program “Meet the Press” on NBC News, and according to Trump, it would be part of a series of celebrations to honor the country’s military victories.
During the interview, conducted at his Mar-a-Lago residence, Trump explained that although the date coincides with his birthday, his intentions are different. “I view it for Flag Day, not necessarily my birthday. Somebody put it together. But no, I think we’re going to do something on June 14 maybe or somewhere around there. But I think June 14. It’s a very important day,” said the president.
The United States does not have a grand military parade like the Bastille Day in France (July 14), Victory Day in Russia (May 9), or the more symbolic Trooping the Colour in the United Kingdom (for the king’s birthday).
What is “Flag Day”?
It is the anniversary of the resolution approved by the Second Continental Congress on June 14, 1777, which officially established the design of the American flag: “That the flag of the thirteen United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.”
Although it is not a federal holiday, Flag Day is celebrated with various patriotic activities, especially in schools, civic organizations, local communities, and the raising of flags in homes, public buildings, and schools.
Trump’s military event could cost 45 million dollars
The parade, which will also mark the 250 years of the U.S. Army, could have a significant budget. According to NBC News, officials from the Department of Defense reported that the cost of the event could reach 45 million dollars, and it would be the military units themselves who would be responsible for covering the expenses, which could affect their training budgets.
Trump, however, defended the investment. "It’s a trifle compared to the importance of doing it‚" he said. He assured that the event will serve to highlight the armament capabilities of the United States: “We have the best missiles in the world. We have the best submarines in the world. We have the best tanks in the world. We have the best weapons in the world. And we’re going to celebrate it.”
The parade would feature the participation of approximately 6,600 soldiers, according to information provided by an Army spokesperson. The presence of more than 50 aircraft and 150 military vehicles is also expected.
Trump recalled a conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron that inspired him: “We had more to do with winning World War II than any other nation. Why don’t we have a Victory Day?”. That is why, a few days ago, the President of the United States proposed designating May 8 as Victory in Europe Day for World War II and November 11 for World War I.
Currently, November 11th is a federal holiday for Veterans Day.
The other federal holiday that honors the armed forces is Memorial Day, which is commemorated on the last Monday of May.