Washington — President Donald Trump attended a significant military parade in Washington, D.C., on Saturday, coinciding with the Army’s 250th anniversary and his 79th birthday.
The event, officially labeled the 250th Birthday of the U.S. Army Grand Military Parade and Celebration, showcased thousands of soldiers, an array of tanks and military vehicles, and numerous aircraft. Spectators gathered enthusiastically along the National Mall to witness the festivities.
As the parade commenced, Mr. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump made their entrance to the strains of Hail to the Chief, which was accompanied by a 21-gun salute. Other notable attendees included Vice President JD Vance, Second Lady Usha Vance, and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth.
In his remarks following the parade, President Trump praised the U.S. Army, proclaiming it as “the greatest, fiercest, and bravest fighting force ever to stride the face of this earth.” He remarked, “You make us strong, and tonight, you have made all Americans very proud.”
Recounting the Army’s founding in 1775, he highlighted some of the heroic missions undertaken by American soldiers throughout history to defend the nation. “Every other country celebrates their victories,” he noted. “It’s about time America did too.”
The military parade served to honor the 250th anniversary of the Army, which was established on June 14, 1775, by the Second Continental Congress, just over a year before the Declaration of Independence. Initially named the Continental Army, George Washington was appointed its first commander.
Beyond the recognition of the Army’s anniversary, Saturday’s events aimed to celebrate America’s broader achievements, both on and off the battlefield. President Trump has frequently emphasized the nation’s victories in World War I and World War II. “I think it’s time for us to celebrate a little bit, you know,” he stated on Wednesday. “We’ve had a lot of victories. We’ve won two world wars … I think it’s a time to celebrate our military.”
Army officials outlined what attendees could expect during the parade, which included around 6,600 soldiers, six M1A1 Abrams tanks, two World War II Sherman tanks, eight CH-47 helicopters, 16 UH-60 Black Hawks, and four WWII-era P-51 aircraft.
However, the elaborate military parade became a focal point for protests across the country. Labor unions and liberal activists countered the festivities with “No Kings” rallies, aiming to voice their opposition to what they perceive as President Trump’s overreach in his executive role.
Despite the planned protests, organizers opted against holding major demonstrations in Washington, D.C. Instead, they encouraged supporters to gather in communities nationwide. Their statement read, “Instead of allowing this birthday parade to be the center of gravity, we will make action everywhere else the story of America that day: people coming together in communities across the country to reject strongman politics and corruption.”
Criticism of the president’s parade plans mounted, focusing on associated costs and the implications of such a display. The Department of Government Efficiency has been promoting efforts to eliminate waste, yet estimates indicate that the parade and festivities may cost between $25 million and $45 million.
Democratic Senator Tammy Duckworth, a veteran who lost both legs in Iraq, labeled the event as “Trump throwing himself a $30 million birthday parade just to stroke his own ego.”
Furthermore, some individuals expressed concerns that military parades evoke imagery associated with authoritarian regimes. “I’ve never been a big fan of goose-stepping soldiers and big tanks and missiles rolling down the street,” Republican Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky remarked. He emphasized, “We were always different than the images you saw of the Soviet Union and North Korea.”
Along with the focus on costs, President Trump’s remarks regarding potential protesters stirred additional backlash. On Tuesday, he warned that those who protested against the parade would encounter a strong response.
Democratic Senator Chris Coons of Delaware remarked that the president’s comments represented “an authoritarian tactic.”
Coons noted that Trump was not targeting individuals engaging in violence but appeared to threaten anyone who would voice opposition.
In a press briefing, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt clarified that “the president absolutely supports peaceful protests.”
“He supports the First Amendment. He supports the right of Americans to make their voices heard,” she added. “He does not support violence of any kind.”
As for the schedule, the day’s events kicked off with a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery at 8:15 a.m., followed by a fitness competition and awards ceremony on the National Mall from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. An Army Birthday Festival ran from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., leading up to the U.S. Army 250th Birthday Parade at 6 p.m. A fireworks display concluded the celebrations at 9:45 p.m.
The parade route extended along Constitution Avenue in Washington, D.C., running parallel to the National Mall. It commenced at 23rd Street NW near the Lincoln Memorial and extended past the White House and the Washington Monument, concluding at 15th Street NW. The parade commenced earlier than initially planned, beginning at 6 p.m. due to anticipated weather conditions.
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