But with the event falling on June 14, President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday—and with his name, presence, and fingerprints woven throughout—the military spectacle has become one of the most controversial and polarizing public displays in the nation’s capital in years.

The last time the United States held a national military parade was in June 1991, timed to welcome returning veterans of the 100-day Persian Gulf War.

Dozens of tanks and heavy military vehicles have made their way into the District to stage ahead of Saturday's military parade, marking the United States Army's 250th birthday, also falling on Flag Day and President Donald Trump's 79th birthday.

High above the National Mall, ABC News was granted exclusive access to a flyover where thousands are expected to gather to celebrate the Army's 250th birthday with a military style parade. Top officials from the United States Secret Service and United States Park Police told ABC News that law enforcement is prepared to secure the event in a very short period of time.

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"I don't really think the symbolism of tanks and missiles is really what we’re all about," Sen. Rand Paul said Wednesday.