The U.S. Army marked its 250th anniversary on Saturday with a grand military parade in Washington, D.C. This celebration unfolded against a backdrop of political division and widespread protests against President Trump, whose 79th birthday coincided with the Army's anniversary. Trump has long envisioned a display of America’s military strength, a dream that came to fruition despite the accompanying controversies. Critics argue that the event represents a politicization of the military and deviates from U.S. democratic principles, leading to the emergence of the organized No Kings protest movement across the nation.
Despite looming storm clouds and the threat of lightning, the parade proceeded as planned, showcasing a spectacular array of military might. The event featured numerous armored tanks and artillery vehicles, including the advanced HIMARS systems, as well as aircraft such as Black Hawk helicopters and Apaches. Over 6,000 uniformed troops participated, walking through the rich history of American military conflict with historical uniforms and vehicles. The parade also included a unique touch with the participation of 34 horses, two mules, and a Blue Heeler dog named Doc Holliday.
Mike Davis, a 30-year Army veteran who attended the parade, expressed his excitement about the celebratory event, stating that the military deserved such a grand tribute. "The last time we've had a military parade, as I recall, was during the Gulf War," Davis remarked. He acknowledged the protests surrounding the event but emphasized the importance of respecting the First Amendment rights of those who choose to voice their opinions. "We go to war to defend the nation's rights for citizens to do things like that," he added.
The weekend celebration came with a significant price tag, estimated between $25 million and $45 million, as noted by Army spokesperson Heather J. Hagan. This cost includes anticipated road repairs due to potential damage caused by heavy military vehicles traversing city streets.
President Trump has long desired to host a military parade, having first sought to do so during his initial term. His inspiration stemmed from attending the Bastille Day parade in France in 2017, which commemorates the French Revolution. Following the parade, Trump hailed the Army as the "greatest, fiercest, and bravest fighting force the world has ever seen," asserting that this celebration was long overdue. "Every other country celebrates their victories; it's about time America did too," he declared.
In a significant gesture, Trump was presented with a traditionally folded American flag, a symbol typically reserved for the families of fallen soldiers. However, the parade faced sharp criticism, particularly from Democratic lawmakers who labeled the event as self-indulgent and a misuse of public funds. Democratic Senator Adam Schiff of California condemned the display, suggesting it was an attempt by Trump to bolster his image while cutting veteran benefits. Governor Gavin Newsom of California echoed these sentiments, describing the event as a "vulgar display" reminiscent of autocratic regimes.
Simultaneously, the No Kings protests unfolded across dozens of cities in the U.S., with organizers estimating that over 5 million people participated in more than 2,000 planned demonstrations. While the protests remained largely peaceful, incidents occurred, such as a man in Culpeper, Virginia, who was arrested after accelerating his vehicle into a dispersing crowd, resulting in one injury.
In Philadelphia, tens of thousands joined the main protest, chosen for its historical significance in relation to the ideals of freedom upon which America was founded. Joel Payne, spokesperson for MoveOn, emphasized this connection, stating that Philadelphia embodies the freedoms and ideals of the nation. Ezra Levin, co-founder of the nonprofit Indivisible, described the atmosphere as "joyful," highlighting the peaceful display of First Amendment rights.
Protests were also held across Texas, Alaska, and California, with varying themes and messages. In Alaska, participants humorously declared, "The only king I want is king salmon." Many protesters expressed concerns over the administration's approach to governance, with some feeling uneasy about their safety while exercising their rights.
Separately, U.S. Capitol Police reported 60 arrests on Friday evening after a group of protesters pushed down barriers and approached the steps of the Rotunda. Those arrested will face charges, including unlawful demonstration and assault on a police officer. The coalition behind the No Kings protests consisted of over 200 organizations, including the ACLU and the American Federation of Teachers, emphasizing a significant movement against perceived authoritarianism.
The No Kings demonstrations were notably absent in Washington, D.C., where the military parade took place, marking a day of contrasting celebrations and expressions of dissent across the nation.
