On Saturday, a spectacular parade in Washington, D.C. commemorated the 250th anniversary of the armed services, coinciding with the birthday of President Donald Trump. The event showcased a magnificent display of military might across the iconic National Mall. A total of 84 military vehicles, including 28 state-of-the-art Abrams tanks, along with 6,700 marching soldiers, participated in this grand celebration, which also marked Trump’s 79th birthday.
As the parade was about to commence, ABC News reported that many attendees donned MAGA hats, and some in the crowd spontaneously broke into a rendition of Happy Birthday for the President. Due to impending weather conditions, the parade started a half hour earlier than scheduled, at 6 p.m.
President Trump, accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump, observed the impressive procession from a VIP viewing stand situated near the White House. As the parade unfolded along Constitution Avenue, Trump stood to salute the troops as they marched by. Soldiers proudly displayed uniforms representing significant American conflicts, from the Revolutionary War to the War on Terror.
The highlight of the event included a dramatic moment where a soldier parachuted onto the White House Ellipse to present a flag to Trump. Following this, the President was set to administer the enlistment oath to approximately 250 new soldiers, emphasizing his commitment to the armed forces. When asked what he hoped the public would take away from the parade, Trump stated, "How great our country is, very simple, and how strong our military is." He reiterated, "We have the strongest military in the world."
The celebration was scheduled to conclude with a breathtaking fireworks display over the Tidal Basin. However, the event faced criticism regarding its funding, with the Army reporting that expenses ranged between $25 million and $45 million. A recent poll conducted by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research indicated that about 60% of Americans believe that the parade was not a wise use of government funds. Critics, including Senator Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), expressed concerns over the expenditure, suggesting that the money should be redirected towards medical defense research rather than being spent on a lavish celebration for the President.
Heightened security measures were implemented during the parade, especially in light of recent events, including the ongoing tensions between Israel and Iran and protests that occurred in Los Angeles the previous weekend. Additionally, security forces remained vigilant following a targeted shooting incident involving two Minnesota state legislators and their spouses earlier that day.
The parade occurred just hours after widespread protests labeled No Kings Day took place across the nation, from New York to San Francisco. Thousands of demonstrators marched peacefully, voicing their opposition to various administration policies, including increased deportations and ICE raids. When questioned about the protests, Trump dismissed their significance, stating, "I don't feel like a king. I have to go through hell to get stuff approved. A king would say I’m not gonna get this." He reiterated, "No, no, we're not a king, we’re not a king at all."
