At a reviewing stand near the White House on Saturday evening, Donald Trump will celebrate his 79th birthday in a unique way. Tanks, rocket launchers, and missiles will roll past, soldiers will march in formation, and helicopters and war planes will fill the sky. The event fulfills the President's long-standing dream of a major military parade in Washington, which has drawn criticism for its resemblance to authoritarian regimes.

Despite recent controversies surrounding the President's deployment of troops to Los Angeles, Mr. Trump remains undeterred. He has warned protesters that they will be met with 'very big force' during the celebration. The parade will take place amidst escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran, as well as the threat of thunderstorms in the forecast.

Mr. Trump's desire for a military parade was inspired by a Bastille Day celebration in Paris in 2017. After facing criticism for the high cost of such an event, he settled for a smaller version in 2019. This year, the President seized the opportunity to expand an existing celebration for the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary, coincidentally falling on Flag Day and his own birthday.

Critics have accused Mr. Trump of staging a spectacle reminiscent of authoritarian regimes, while even members of his own Republican Party have expressed reservations. Despite the controversy, the event is expected to draw a large crowd, with over 200,000 people anticipated to attend.

The parade will feature 128 tanks, helicopters, rocket launchers, troops, and marching bands, along with historic planes, horses, mules, and a dog. Mr. Trump will watch the procession from a stand on the Ellipse, followed by a presentation of the flag by the Golden Knights parachutists and a fireworks display.

Organizers have prepared for the event with a separate budget to repair city streets and precautions for potential thunderstorms. Despite the challenges, the President has promised that the celebration will be 'better and bigger than any parade we've ever had in this country.'