Trump's military parade, in photos and videos

Washington Post

6 hours ago

President Donald Trump held a military parade through the streets of Washington to celebrate the Army's 250th anniversary on Saturday, which was also Trump's 79th birthday.
The massive military parade drew tanks and thousands of soldiers and coincided with nationwide protests against Trump and his policies.
The three-hour parade featured troops dressed in historical uniforms, bombers doing flyovers, and members of the Golden Knights parachute team falling from the sky.
The parade was designed to compete with the grandeur of parades and other spectacles Trump has witnessed in foreign countries. 'We want to show off a little bit,' he said Tuesday.
On the National Mall, there were displays of weaponry and other military equipment, and fitness competitions among soldiers, staged as part of the Army's 250th anniversary. Combat medics demonstrated how they treat injuries in conflict zones, and children waited in line to sit in attack helicopters and armored vehicles.
Many attendees sported MAGA hats and other pro-Trump paraphernalia: J6 hats, a Trump 2028 banner, even a sign declaring Trump king — a stab at the numerous 'No Kings' rallies taking place across the country in opposition to what organizers see as Trump's widening authoritarianism.
The parade also drew protesters of all ages, both local residents and visitors from across the country. Hundreds streamed down 14th Street on a march from Logan Circle to the White House.
Amid a sea of MAGA hats or those that said 'Trump 2028,' a few lone protesters stood along 15th Street NW near the Washington Monument. Eric Slutz, 73, reached his arms up to hold a pink laminated paper that said 'NO KINGS.'
'This army that is marching by us was founded to fight a king,' he said, pointing to the military ranks rolling past on the street.
'And that's what we're doing 250 years later,' added his wife, Laurie Slutz, 71.
But some attendees just wanted to enjoy the spectacle of the largest show of military might in the capital in more than three decades.
'We're celebrating 250 years of incredible service that guaranteed our freedom,' said Jeffrey Marquardt, 60, who drove from Scranton, Pennsylvania, to attend the Army festival and parade.
June 14 marks the 250th anniversary of the Continental Congress vote to establish the Continental Army.
Many attendees also celebrated Flag Day by wearing the U.S. flag on T-shirts, shorts, dresses, visors, cowboy hats and headbands.
Overall, a total of 150 vehicles, 50 aircraft and 6,600 soldiers were expected during the parade.
The cost for the massive event was estimated at $25 million to $45 million, an Army spokesperson said. The Army has vowed to foot the bill for any damage to city streets, with heavy tanks a particular concern.
The military parade concluded as the procession of tanks reached Independence Avenue, where the tree foliage obscured their exit.
The crowd gathered at the National Mall cheered as the event turned into a concert. Country singer Lee Greenwood performed his signature song 'God Bless the U.S.A.' as attendees followed the song with chants of 'U-S-A!'
Vice President JD Vance took the stage, praised the Army and wished Trump a happy birthday, before noting it was also his wedding anniversary with Usha Vance.
Trump took the stage last, joined by first lady Melania Trump, where he gave a speech thanking soldiers for their service and touting U.S. military prowess. 'Because our soldiers never give up, never surrender, and never, ever quit. They fight, fight, fight, and they win, win, win,' Trump said.
At the end of the speech, a member of the Army Golden Knights presented Trump with the American flag, and a fireworks display over the National Mall closed out the festivities.