'Looks like a lot of people already heading to SALUTE TO AMERICA': Trump says he is expecting big crowds in DC ahead of his military spectacular as final adjustments are made to the tanks and marching bands entertain fans who arrived early
The president, who will speak, called his event a 'Salute to America' and has promised the 'show of a lifetime'
The Pentagon is arranging an Air Force B-2 stealth bomber flyover and armored tanks at the Lincoln Memorial
The presidential Air Force One and Marine One aircraft are also slated to make aerial appearances
Washington has held an Independence Day celebration for decades with thousands flocking to the capital
But military chiefs are rumored to be concerned this year could turn out to be an overtly political affair
On Tuesday Trump had said 'the Pentagon and our great Military Leaders are thrilled' to participate
Thursday's celebration has also been overshadowed by questions about how much it will cost taxpayers
But the president has insisted it will cost very little given that the military already owns the tanks and planes
By Lauren Fruen For Dailymail.com and Associated Press
Published: 11:05 EDT, 4 July 2019 | Updated: 16:59 EDT, 4 July 2019
Crowds have lined the streets of DC for Trump's Fourth of July military parade after the president promised the 'show of a lifetime', boasting tanks parked by the Lincoln Memorial, marching bands, loyal followers and protesters with the president's 'baby blimp'.
Calling his event a 'Salute to America' honoring the armed forces, the president tweeted to say he is expecting many attendees on Thursday for an event which will 'be well worth the trip and wait'.
The president wrote: 'Looks like a lot of people already heading to SALUTE TO AMERICA at Lincoln Memorial. It will be well worth the trip and wait. See you there at 6:00 P.M. Amazing music and bands. Thank you ARMY!'
Trump is scheduled to speak in front of a ticket-only, VIP crowd of Republican donors, administration and campaign officials, family members and supporters.
Under White House direction, the Pentagon was arranging for an Air Force B-2 stealth bomber and other warplanes to conduct flyovers.
There will be Navy F-35 and F-18 fighter jets, the Navy Blue Angels aerobatics team, Army and Coast Guard helicopters and Marine V-22 Ospreys.
Two Bradley fighting vehicles were also in place Wednesday at the Lincoln Memorial, where Trump will speak.
In addition, two 60-ton Army Abrams battle tanks were sent to Washington by rail to be positioned on or near the National Mall, to the dismay of District of Columbia officials.
And soldiers have been pictured working on an armored tanks in front of the Lincoln Memorial as other military vehicles have been pictured around the Capitol.
The presidential Air Force One and Marine One aircraft are also slated to make aerial appearances.
many more photos at link
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7213681/Turrets-attached-tanks-Lincoln-Memorial-ahead-Trumps-military-spectacular.html
