Army Birthday Festival Launches at National Mall

The Army Birthday Festival kicked off with a sweltering start on Saturday morning, attracting thousands to the National Mall in honor of the branch’s 250th anniversary, leading up to the afternoon’s military parade.

As attendees stroll past a UH-1H Huey helicopter and beneath a massive howitzer situated near one of the festival entrances, they get a chance to interact with a variety of unloaded military firearms — featuring sniper rifles, light machine guns, carbines, as well as grenade and rocket launchers.

Service members are available to discuss the technical details of each weapon and to demonstrate safe handling practices. The event also showcases an obstacle course demonstration, vehicle displays, and a designated area for kids to engage in flag football drills.

Despite the overcast and humid conditions, Washington, DC, is under a flood watch until Saturday night. Nevertheless, President Donald Trump assured via a Truth Social post earlier Saturday that the parade, set to commence along Constitution Avenue at 6:30 p.m., is “ON, RAIN OR SHINE.”