WASHINGTON — The Army’s latest estimate for its major parade to celebrate its 250 th anniversary – which falls on President Donald Trump ’s birthday – totals $40 million, including the cost of repairing streets in Washington, DC expected to be gnawed by tank treads.

US army leaders have defended the exorbitant bill for a Washington parade to mark a major milestone for the force.

The event will also bring more than 9,000 soldiers from around the country to Washington, about 7,000 of whom will march in the parade itself. The event will also include at least eight Army bands, and some troops will ride on the nearly three dozen horses and two mules expected to march as part of a historical section of the parade.