OKLAHOMA CITY — While tanks, helicopters, and thousands of service members prepare to roll through the nation’s capital next week for a historic celebration of the U.S. Army’s 250th birthday, the Oklahoma National Guard has confirmed it will not be among the participating forces.
The high-profile parade, set for June 14 in Washington, D.C., is also timed to coincide with former President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday, drawing further national attention. The event is expected to bring tens of thousands of spectators to the heart of the capital, as Constitution and Independence Avenues transform into a showcase of American military might—complete with Vietnam-era helicopters, World War II-style tanks, and service members dressed in historical uniforms that span the Army’s long legacy.
But Col. Kristin Tschetter, the Oklahoma National Guard’s chief of public affairs, said Friday that the Sooner State’s Guard will not be taking part in the festivities. Instead, their resources are being directed toward other missions—most notably, a 30-day deployment of 50 Oklahoma National Guard troops to El Paso, Texas, where they are supporting operations at the U.S.-Mexico border.
A Parade with Historic Scope
This year’s parade will be one of the largest military spectacles in recent memory. While details on the overall cost remain under wraps, it’s anticipated that the event will rival or surpass the scale of past commemorations, including Trump’s 2019 “Salute to America.”
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Beyond the ground displays, aerial flyovers will include aircraft from different military eras, providing a literal timeline of U.S. airpower. Military musicians, drill teams, and reenactors will also bring depth to the experience, offering a blend of solemn tradition and patriotic pageantry.
Oklahoma’s Focus: Active Operations
While not marching in Washington, the Oklahoma National Guard remains actively engaged in domestic operations. Earlier this month, Gov. Kevin Stitt posed with troops prior to their departure to El Paso, praising the soldiers for their continued dedication to border security.
“Our National Guard remains laser-focused on real-time missions that directly impact the safety and well-being of our communities,” Gov. Stitt said. “Their service at the southern border exemplifies what it means to protect not just Oklahoma, but the nation.”
Something You Might Not Know
June 14 is not only the Army’s birthday and Trump’s birthday—it’s also Flag Day, commemorating the adoption of the U.S. flag in 1777. Interestingly, the first official Army uniform was approved just one year later, in 1778. During the upcoming parade, reenactors are expected to don replicas of those original uniforms—providing a striking visual comparison to the high-tech camouflage of today’s soldiers.
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And while Oklahoma won’t have boots on the ground in the capital’s parade, its soldiers continue to wear theirs in service where they’re most needed—reminding the country that patriotism isn’t only on display during celebrations, but in everyday acts of duty.
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