The grand military parade envisioned by President Donald Trump for years took place on Constitution Avenue, showcasing tanks, troops, and a 21-gun salute while being overshadowed by protests across the country.
On his 79th birthday, President Trump observed the display of military strength from a special viewing stand south of the White House, as light rain fell and the Washington Monument loomed in cloudy skies.
With over 6,000 soldiers and 128 Army tanks, the procession was part of an event honoring the Army’s 250th anniversary, finally realized after Trump’s attempts in his first term were thwarted.
“Every other country celebrates their victories. It’s about time America did too,” Trump proclaimed in a brief remark concluding the parade.
He emphasized the strength of the military, stating U.S. soldiers “fight, fight fight and they win, win win,” echoing a phrase often heard during his campaign rallies following an assassination attempt against him.
Early in the day’s festivities, the Army’s Golden Knights parachute team made an unexpected descent due to overcast conditions, adding to the excitement above the National Mall.
Throughout the event, Trump saluted as the military marched past his vantage point. However, attendance failed to meet expectations, with estimates falling short of the predicted 200,000, as spectators encountered steamy weather and impending thunderstorms.
Prior to the parade, demonstrations erupted in various cities nationwide, with opponents of Trump voicing their dissent. Protesters condemned his use of the military to address deportation-related protests and criticized the military display in the nation’s capital.
As armored vehicles paraded in Washington, Marines, deployed to Los Angeles by Trump, found themselves at a protest on the other side of the country, standing guard outside a federal building.
Demonstrators in Los Angeles jeered at the troops, urging them to leave, while chaos ensued as police on horseback attempted to clear the streets, resulting in the use of tear gas and crowd control measures.
In Washington, hundreds protested, wielding signs that read messages such as “Where’s the due process?” and “No to Trump’s fascist military parade,” marching towards the White House.
A large puppet depicting Trump, adorned with a crown while seated on a golden toilet, added a satirical touch to the protests.
Various signs resonated with sharp critiques of Trump’s administration, including slogans like “I prefer crushed ICE,” referring to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency.
Protests titled “No Kings” occurred in hundreds of locations, aiming to contrast what the organizers described as Trump’s ego-embracing birthday celebration with an emphasis on promoting democracy and opposing authoritarianism.
On the National Mall, a showcase of military vehicles and equipment commemorated the Army’s 250th birthday, while vendors sold military-themed merchandise alongside Trump memorabilia.
Attendee Larry Stallard, a retired American Airlines pilot and Trump supporter from Kansas City, expressed disbelief over criticisms regarding the event’s cost, suggesting that the expenditure was minor compared to other government spending.
Fellow Trump supporter and Navy veteran Doug Haynes remarked that while he attended to celebrate the Army’s milestone, he felt the parade was “a little over the top” and recognized its potential as a bold statement to the world.
The parade was appended to the existing plans for the Army birthday celebration only two months prior and has faced backlash regarding its estimated $45 million cost and the risk of damage to city streets from the heavy tanks.
To mitigate potential damage, the Army employed various protective measures, including laying down metal plates along the parade route.
According to a poll by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, around 60% of Americans viewed the parade as “not a good use” of government funds, with a notable 78% expressing neutrality towards the event overall.
Kathy Straus, who traveled from Richmond, Virginia, attended the parade carrying a sign criticizing its financial implications, arguing the funds could have benefitted veterans in need.
She believed that participating in the parade would convey her message more effectively than joining a protest with like-minded individuals.
The parade concluded its procession down Constitution Avenue, with security fencing and barriers lining the route.
A flyover featuring military aircraft, including World War II-era planes, was planned but ultimately scrapped due to adverse weather conditions.
The event reached its climax with President Trump swearing in 250 new recruits and returning soldiers, inviting them to repeat their oath in unison.
“Welcome to the United States Army! And have a great life,” Trump remarked to the new servicemen and women.
The day of celebration included performances by country singer Warren Zeiders and the iconic Lee Greenwood, famous for his rendition of “God Bless the U.S.A.”, culminating in a vibrant fireworks display.
image source from：https://apnews.com/article/trump-army-parade-troops-tanks-birthday-protests-4cca4da0e89908d39c820240744375a1
