On June 14, 2025, Washington, D.C., will host events in honor of the U.S. Army’s 250th birthday. The university is monitoring activities associated with the events and remains in close coordination with local and federal partners.
Throughout the day, a festival open to the public will be held on the National Mall that includes static military vehicle displays. In the evening, historic and modern military vehicles and personnel will parade down Constitution Ave., NW, followed by fireworks and a concert on the Ellipse. These events are open to the public and are expected to bring crowds to the area.
- Army Birthday Festival on the National Mall | 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Army 250th Birthday Parade on Constitution Ave., NW | 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Route: Constitution Ave. from 23rd St NW to 15th St NW
- Concert & Fireworks on the White House Ellipse | 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
For additional event details, please visit the event website.
GW community members can expect to see an increased law enforcement presence, road closures, access restrictions, and traffic around the Foggy Bottom campus. Flights at Reagan National Airport (DCA) are expected to be temporarily suspended for up to four hours on the evening of June 14th to accommodate military flyovers and a fireworks display planned as part of the U.S. Army's 250th birthday celebration. There is no information that suggests a specific threat to GW or other area campuses and institutions.
Additional operational information will be shared with the GW community through the Campus Advisories website.
First Amendment Activities
First Amendment activities are expected throughout the district. Again, there is no information that suggests a specific threat to GW or other area campuses or institutions. However, as with any significant event, we encourage all members of our community to be prepared. Please review the below safety tips and refer to the Emergency Response Handbook for additional guidance.
Safety Tips
- Be aware of the behavior of those around you and report suspicious or threatening behavior immediately to GWPD at 202-994-6111 or the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) through 911.
- Do not engage with individuals seeking a confrontation.
- If there is a disturbance, seek shelter indoors until normal conditions return.
- Follow directions from law enforcement personnel.
- Make sure doors close and lock behind you as you arrive and depart.
- Do not allow strangers into GW buildings.
- Carry identification and be prepared to show your GWorld at all times.
If large crowds start to gather and you choose to exercise your First Amendment rights, we urge you to follow these tips:
- Be aware of the behavior of those around you and report suspicious behavior.
- Monitor traffic reports, weather reports, and emergency notifications.
- Share your plan with someone outside your group.
- Stay with your group. Have a predetermined meeting point in case you get separated.
- Have a secondary communication plan in case cell phone signals are limited.
- View the guide to Free Expression at GW.
Additional Information
For additional safety and security resources, visit the Safety website or download the GW Guardian app. Emergency management information from the district is also available online.
All GW community members are automatically signed up to receive GW emergency email alerts. You can also sign up for text alerts by adding a mobile phone number to your GW Alert account. You can add up to three email addresses and phone numbers so that friends and family may also receive GW emergency alerts. Visit the GW Alert webpage for instructions on how to manage your account.
For timely traffic information please monitor MPD on X. Similarly, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) reports there will be impacts to Metro train and bus service near the event locations. For timely Metro information, visit WMATA on X.