On Saturday evening, the skies over the heart of Washington D.C. were filled with the thunderous roar of military aircraft, while tanks rolled through the iconic National Mall. Brass bands played stirring anthems, and thousands of soldiers marched past enthusiastic crowds, marking the largest display of military might in the capital in over three decades. This grand parade celebrated the Army’s 250th birthday, fulfilling President Donald Trump’s long-desired vision of a spectacular military pageant akin to those he has witnessed in other nations.
For many attendees, the event was a source of immense pride; however, it also sparked significant discontent among others who took to the streets nationwide, voicing their objections to Trump's decision to host such a spectacle—on his own birthday, no less. The day's events starkly highlighted the divisions within America, particularly since Trump's return to the Oval Office.
As crowds gathered for both the parade and simultaneous protests, the atmosphere was charged with conflicting emotions. Demonstrators in major cities, as well as small towns, raised their voices against what they perceive as Trump's authoritarian approach and disregard for the Constitution. The “No Kings” campaign organized nationwide rallies but opted to skip Washington D.C. to avoid giving the parade undue prominence, as stated by its organizers. Despite this, many flocked to the National Mall throughout Saturday for the Army’s birthday festivities.
Under the sweltering heat, long lines formed as attendees eagerly awaited their chance to climb aboard a Stryker armored vehicle or sit in the front seats of attack helicopters, capturing memories with their smartphones. Nearby, combat medics demonstrated their skills for treating injuries in combat, while a face-painting booth sat just steps away from a display of historic 19th-century rifles. The crowd was peppered with red MAGA hats, signaling a strong display of Trump support.
The day began with a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington National Cemetery, before culminating in a spectacular fireworks display that lit up the night sky. “Every other country celebrates their victories,” Trump proclaimed from a stage on the Ellipse, his voice resonating through speakers. “It’s about time America did, too.”
The morning kicked off with an Army fitness competition, showcasing soldiers clad in camouflage as they sprinted with sandbags and collaborated to deadlift a staggering 500-pound bar. Staff Sgt. James Austin Lane, 35, expressed his pride in participating in such a momentous event, emphasizing its significance as something greater than individual achievements.
Among the attendees was Austin Hall, a 27-year-old military enthusiast who traveled from Chicago specifically for this occasion. He noted that Saturday marked the 250th anniversary of the Continental Congress vote that established the Continental Army, coinciding with Flag Day—an occasion that commemorates the adoption of the American flag in 1777.
Hall, who identifies as a liberal and voted for Vice President Kamala Harris, wore a t-shirt emblazoned with the phrase “We The People means everyone,” adorned with rainbow colors. “Not everyone here is a right-winger,” he remarked, highlighting the diverse perspectives represented at the event.
The day's extravaganza was a remarkable shift from the modest plans initially proposed by the Army when seeking a permit from the National Park Service last June. The parade element was a late addition to the birthday celebrations, following Trump's long-held desire for a military display featuring soldiers and tanks on the streets of the capital.
Although the Army estimates the cost of Saturday’s spectacle to range between $25 million and $45 million, the financial implications for the city and federal government remain unclear. To minimize potential damage to local streets, the Army took precautions, reinforcing parts of the parade route with metal plates and equipping vehicles with new rubber track pads.
As military festivities unfolded in Washington D.C., protesters filled the streets of cities such as Philadelphia, where they rallied with drums and tambourines, while others gathered outside the Georgia Capitol. Demonstrators even marched towards Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, chanting patriotic slogans. On Monhegan Island, Maine, a small protest drew over 100 people, surpassing the island's year-round population.
Back in D.C., local artist Nekisha Durett, 49, joined hundreds of others marching down 14th Street, feeling that protesting was essential. “We can’t be afraid to speak up,” she asserted. The dual identity of D.C.—as the seat of federal power and a city that overwhelmingly opposed Trump—made the disruptions to daily life particularly contentious.
Despite the protests, many supporters expressed their enthusiasm for the military parade. Tina Tretina, a 53-year-old Trump supporter from Alexandria, Virginia, deemed the inconveniences caused by road closures “absolutely” worth it. “It’s everything the capital stands for,” she said, reveling in the display of patriotism, military pride, and support for the administration.
Jeffrey Marquardt, who traveled from Scranton, Pennsylvania, joined the festivities with his lifelong friend Kurt Coccodrilli, a D.C. resident. Marquardt celebrated the 250 years of military service that he believes guarantee American freedom. “Wouldn’t miss it for the world,” Coccodrilli added, while his 13-year-old son Dario proudly showed off a photo of himself with Trump at a rally.
As the parade progressed, protesters at Logan Circle carried signs proclaiming “Immigrants Make America Great” while others criticized the militaristic display, viewing it as a fascist image. Wind Euler, 62, shared her perspective on the parade, recalling her father’s service as a Marine during World War II. “My father fought against fascism,” she insisted, questioning the appropriateness of such a lavish celebration in light of ongoing government cuts.
While the Army promoted the day as an opportunity to strengthen ties between America and its military, many questioned the underlying messages of a grand military display in a politically charged environment. Chris Yeazel, 40, a D.C. resident and Iraq veteran, expressed discomfort with the parade’s implications, stating it felt “un-American” as it sought to intimidate dissenting voices.
In the end, the day illustrated the complexities of American patriotism, showcasing both the pride in military achievements and the voices of dissent that challenge the notion of unity. As the parade began, families rushed to catch a glimpse of the colorful procession, while the city around them appeared to maintain a semblance of normalcy. This juxtaposition of celebration and protest has become a defining characteristic of contemporary American society.
