ARLINGTON, Va. – Events for the United States Army’s 250th Birthday Festival and Parade will take place in Washington, DC on Saturday, June 14, 2025.
The safety and security of the residents, visitors and businesses of the National Capital Region remains our top priority during all special events. The Arlington County Police Department (ACPD) will deploy increased police resources in Arlington County, to include both visible and non-visible assets, on June 14, 2025, to ensure public safety.
Road Closures
The United States Park Police/National Park Service and the Virginia State Police/Virginia Department of Transportation will conduct road closures on their maintained roadways in Arlington County, including:
- George Washington Memorial Parkway: Closed in both directions between U.S. 50 and I-395 beginning Friday, June 13 at 6:00 p.m. through Sunday, June 15 at 6:00 a.m.
- Route 27/Washington Boulevard: Right lane closed in both directions beginning 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 11. All lanes closed in both directions between US-50 and Pentagon North Parking beginning Friday, June 13 at 6:00 p.m. through Saturday, June 14, at 10:00 p.m.
Visit the Traffic Advisory: U.S. Army’s 250th Birthday Parade for a full list of road closures and safety information associated with the event.
Firework Viewing
All events for the United States Army 250th Birthday Celebration will be held in Washington, DC, however, those choosing to watch the planned fireworks display from Arlington County can do so from the Esplanade at Long Bridge Park or US Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima). The Air Force Memorial remains closed due to ongoing construction.
ACPD is reminding drivers that stopping or standing in a lane of traffic to observe the fireworks is illegal and violators may be issued a citation. Additionally, parking on the shoulders of Route 110 and Route 50 in both directions is prohibited and will be strictly enforced. Unattended vehicles found in violation will be ticketed and towed at the owner’s expense.
Police Preparedness
ACPD’s Homeland Security Section collaborates with local, state and federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies on information sharing and compiling intelligence data. The Section also assigns officers to the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force (National Capital Region), so that Arlington remains informed and connected with our regional law enforcement partners on any possible safety concerns impacting Arlington and our region. At this time, there are no known threats to Arlington County.
The Important Role the Community Plays
Efforts to address crime and threats in our community are most effective when they involve strong collaboration and partnerships between law enforcement and the communities they serve. ACPD encourages members of the public to remain attentive, particularly in areas where crowds of people typically gather such as shopping centers, restaurant districts, religious services, and public transportation hubs to name a few. While we share everyday moments with our neighbors, family, coworkers, and friends, we all have routines that are uniquely our own making you most well-acquainted with what actions and behaviors may be suspicious in your neighborhood and community.
If you See Something, Say Something® and encourage your friends, family and neighbors to do the same. Factors such as race, ethnicity, national origin, or religious affiliation are not suspicious. The public should report only suspicious actions, behaviors and situations.
Suspicious activity, unusual actions and the presence of unattended bags, packages and items that cannot be immediately associated with their owner should be reported to police for investigation by calling the Emergency Communication Center at 703-558-2222 or 9-1-1 in an emergency. Tips can also be reported online using the Homeland Security Tip Form.