As the U.S. Army prepares to mark its 250th anniversary on June 14, a large-scale effort led by veterans and volunteers is underway to provide meals for over 8,500 service members and Department of the Army civilians during the official celebration in the nation’s capital, as reported [1] by The Gateway Pundit.
The event, scheduled for Flag Day, will coincide with the 79th birthday of President Donald Trump, who authorized the military parade to honor the Army’s founding in 1775 by the Continental Congress.
President Trump, sharing the announcement on Truth Social, stated, “We will be hosting a magnificent Parade to honor the United States Army’s 250th Birthday, on Saturday, June 14th, in Washington, D.C… Americans across the Nation are invited to attend.”
I am proud to announce that we will be hosting a magnificent Parade to honor the United States Army’s 250th Birthday, on Saturday, June 14th, in Washington, D.C. For two and a half centuries, our brave soldiers have fought, bled, and died to keep us FREE, and now we will honor…
— Trump Posts on (@trump_repost) May 23, 2025 [2]
In addition to the parade, the celebration will include a parachute jump, fireworks, a concert, and a speech from President Trump.
Spearheading the volunteer initiative is John Rourke, an Army veteran and founder of the We Fund The Blue Foundation. Rourke, along with chefs, donors, and hundreds of volunteers, has organized a large-scale food operation under the banner “BBQ for the Brave: 250 Strong.”
The team will serve high-quality Wagyu beef to thousands of active-duty personnel in what is expected to be the largest military parade in modern U.S. history.
Join us in D.C. on Sat., June 14 for an unforgettable celebration of 250 years of the U.S. Army—the greatest fighting force in the history of the world.
We’re marking this historic milestone with a once-in-a-lifetime military parade. @America250 [3]
INFO ➡️ https://t.co/DtjW6NLdqJ [4] pic.twitter.com/GBjRrq4pBG [5]
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) June 6, 2025 [6]
The beef is being sourced and donated by Texas-based Chef and Rancher Austin Simmons, and delivered through a coordinated logistics effort by FedEx and Freight Transportation Group.
Freight Transportation Group’s owner, Dragos Sprinceana, ensured the meat would arrive fresh by personally overseeing transport. The funding behind the meals is being provided by Orion Power and Hansel “Orion” Bailey.
“This is about giving back to the men and women who give everything to this country,” said Rourke. “We’re going to serve them with the best food, the best volunteers, and a whole lot of love for America.”
The Flag Day operation is the latest in a series of volunteer-led efforts by Rourke’s team. Recently, the group traveled to Naval Station Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, where they served over 2,500 troops and their families during a morale-building campaign.
Prepping for our 250th Birthday parade!
The Soldiers from @iiiarmoredcorps [7] are transporting tanks and other military vehicles for the Army’s 250th Birthday parade in Washington, D.C. on June 14.
Learn more about the celebrations and related events here:… pic.twitter.com/jYCzUUD48f [8]
— Jack Straw (@JackStr42679640) June 7, 2025 [9]
In past years, the team has provided meals and support to over 6,000 first responders during California’s wildfires.
Through his Make America Clean Again initiative, Rourke’s nonprofit has also removed over 131,000 pounds of trash from cities, border areas, and underserved communities across the United States.
This week’s barbecue in Washington is being positioned as a message of unity and service, with citizens, donors, and businesses coming together to recognize the sacrifices of America’s military.