Army's 250th Anniversary Parade in Pictures
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
President Donald Trump presided over a sweeping military parade in the nation's capital Saturday evening to mark the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army, with tanks, troops, and air displays unfolding under a looming threat of thunderstorms and amid major protests across the country.
The parade, which began 30 minutes early due to the weather forecast, was held along Constitution Avenue and featured approximately 6,600 soldiers, 84 military vehicles including 28 M1 Abrams tanks, and more than 60 aircraft overhead.
Why It Matters
Saturday's military parade was the first in Washington since about 8,000 troops marched through the capital in 1991 to mark the victory of an American-led coalition over Saddam Hussein's Iraq in the Gulf War.
The event has also sparked controversy, with supporters arguing it will boost recruitment for the U.S. military, while critics point to the cost and Republican Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky warns it could look like "images you saw of the Soviet Union and North Korea."
President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth attend a military parade commemorating the Army's 250th anniversary, coinciding with his 79th birthday, Saturday, June 14, 2025, in Washington.
President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth attend a military parade commemorating the Army's 250th anniversary, coinciding with his 79th birthday, Saturday, June 14, 2025, in Washington.
AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson
What To Know
The event coincided with Trump's 79th birthday and was timed to project strength and tradition on Flag Day. "How great our country is, very simple, and how strong our military is," Trump said when asked what he hoped people would take away from the event.
"We have the strongest military in the world."
US President Donald Trump (3L) and US First Lady Melania Trump attend the Army 250th Anniversary Parade in Washington, DC, on June 14, 2025. Trump's long-held dream of a parade will come true as nearly...
US President Donald Trump (3L) and US First Lady Melania Trump attend the Army 250th Anniversary Parade in Washington, DC, on June 14, 2025. Trump's long-held dream of a parade will come true as nearly 7,000 troops plus dozens of tanks and helicopters rumble through the capital in an event officially marking the 250th anniversary of the US army. More
Photo by Mandel NGAN / AFP) (Photo by MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images
Crowds gathered on both sides of the barricaded avenue, many waving flags and dressed in patriotic colors, while others came simply to watch the rare full-scale military procession unfold through the capital's historic core.
People watch the Army 250th Anniversary Parade in Washington, DC on June 14, 2025. Trump's long-held dream of a parade will come true as nearly 7,000 troops plus dozens of tanks and helicopters rumble through...
People watch the Army 250th Anniversary Parade in Washington, DC on June 14, 2025. Trump's long-held dream of a parade will come true as nearly 7,000 troops plus dozens of tanks and helicopters rumble through the capital in an event officially marking the 250th anniversary of the US army. More
Photo by Mandel NGAN / AFP) (Photo by MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images
Rain began falling before the parade started. Trump left the White House nearly 45 minutes early to beat the weather and was greeted by chants of "USA! USA!" as he arrived at the reviewing stand with First Lady Melania Trump.
The National Anthem is performed as President Donald Trump attends a military parade commemorating the Army's 250th anniversary, coinciding with his 79th birthday, Saturday, June 14, 2025, in Washington.
The National Anthem is performed as President Donald Trump attends a military parade commemorating the Army's 250th anniversary, coinciding with his 79th birthday, Saturday, June 14, 2025, in Washington.
AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson
The president beamed as he took the stage. He stood and clapped as the National Anthem was performed and the U.S. Army Band and the Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps were introduced.
The parade started slightly ahead of schedule. Rain continued to fall intermittently, but lightning held off, allowing the event to proceed. Heavy armor led the way, including M1 Abrams tanks and Bradley Fighting Vehicles. The roar of engines echoed across the Potomac as units crossed the Arlington Memorial Bridge into Washington.
A tank rolls past during the Army 250th Anniversary Parade in Washington, DC, on June 14, 2025. Trump's long-held dream of a parade will come true as nearly 7,000 troops plus dozens of tanks and...
A tank rolls past during the Army 250th Anniversary Parade in Washington, DC, on June 14, 2025. Trump's long-held dream of a parade will come true as nearly 7,000 troops plus dozens of tanks and helicopters rumble through the capital in an event officially marking the 250th anniversary of the US army. More
Photo by ANNABELLE GORDON / AFP) (Photo by ANNABELLE GORDON/AFP via Getty Images
Military units began arriving, kicking off the parade with Revolutionary War reenactors and period-dressed soldiers from World War I. The 82nd Airborne Division, which dates to 1917, led that section. Nicknamed the "All-Americans," it was originally composed of troops from all 48 states.
Soldiers dressed in Revolutionary War uniforms march at the start of the military parade on June 14, 2025 in Washington, DC. The U.S. Army is marking its 250th anniversary with a military parade along Constitution...
Soldiers dressed in Revolutionary War uniforms march at the start of the military parade on June 14, 2025 in Washington, DC. The U.S. Army is marking its 250th anniversary with a military parade along Constitution Avenue that includes roughly 6,600 troops, 150 vehicles, and over 50 aircraft. The parade, which coincides with President Donald Trump's 79th birthday, is designed to tell the history of the Army. More
Photo byRevolutionary War-era soldiers marched first, followed by Civil War reenactors and troops from World War I and World War II. Sherman tanks and WW II Jeeps rolled past Constitution Avenue. Six restored Jeeps and dozens of troops in 1940s garb highlighted the Army's role in the Allied victory.
U.S Army vehicles from various eras cross the Arlington Memorial Bridge during the parade down Constitution Avenue marking the 250th birthday of the U.S. Army June 14, 2025 in Washington, DC. The U.S. Army is...
U.S Army vehicles from various eras cross the Arlington Memorial Bridge during the parade down Constitution Avenue marking the 250th birthday of the U.S. Army June 14, 2025 in Washington, DC. The U.S. Army is marking its 250th birthday with a military parade including roughly 6,600 troops, 150 vehicles, and over 50 aircraft. The parade, which coincides with President Donald Trump's 79th birthday, is designed to tell the history of the Army. More
Photo byTrump stood to salute passing troops, often returning their gestures. Though seated much of the time, he repeatedly rose to acknowledge marching units.
Soldiers dressed in World War I uniforms march in the military parade on June 14, 2025 in Washington, DC. The U.S. Army is marking its 250th anniversary with a military parade along Constitution Avenue that...
Soldiers dressed in World War I uniforms march in the military parade on June 14, 2025 in Washington, DC. The U.S. Army is marking its 250th anniversary with a military parade along Constitution Avenue that includes roughly 6,600 troops, 150 vehicles, and over 50 aircraft. The parade, which coincides with President Donald Trump's 79th birthday, is designed to tell the history of the Army. More
Photo bySoon after, WWII-era aircraft flew overhead. These included P-51 Mustangs, B-25 Mitchell bombers, and a C-47 Skytrain — all planes integral to the U.S. air campaign during the war. Their flyover coincided with the 101st and 82nd Airborne Divisions on the ground.
President Donald Trump attends a military parade commemorating the Army's 250th anniversary, coinciding with his 79th birthday, Saturday, June 14, 2025, in Washington.
President Donald Trump attends a military parade commemorating the Army's 250th anniversary, coinciding with his 79th birthday, Saturday, June 14, 2025, in Washington.
AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson
Vietnam-era helicopters buzzed the parade route in tribute to the "Helicopter War." The Huey, Cobra, and Loach were among those that soared over the capital.
Soldiers from the Army 82nd Airborne Division, dressed in World War I era uniforms, march past the reviewing stand and President Donald Trump during a military parade commemorating the Army's 250th anniversary, coinciding with his...
Soldiers from the Army 82nd Airborne Division, dressed in World War I era uniforms, march past the reviewing stand and President Donald Trump during a military parade commemorating the Army's 250th anniversary, coinciding with his 79th birthday, Saturday, June 14, 2025, in Washington. More
AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson
As the armored columns passed, the U.S. Army's Golden Knights parachute team glided toward the Ellipse, trailing red smoke. Their appearance was moved up because of the weather.
Members of the U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights make their landing during an event to honor the Army's 250th anniversary, coinciding with President Donald Trump's 79th birthday, Saturday, June 14, 2025, in Washington.
Members of the U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights make their landing during an event to honor the Army's 250th anniversary, coinciding with President Donald Trump's 79th birthday, Saturday, June 14, 2025, in Washington.
AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein
Trump then administered the oath of enlistment to 250 new and reenlisting soldiers as the crowd looked on.
Vendors outside sold Army memorabilia and Trump-themed merchandise, including MAGA hats and novelty dolls. Inside the festival area, celebrity chefs Robert Irvine and Andre Rush mingled with troops.
Though protests were reported in other parts of Washington and across the country, the parade route remained tightly secured. The National Mall was heavily policed, and streets were reinforced to handle the 60-ton tanks.
What People Are Saying
U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, speaking before the House Armed Services Committee: "I believe very specifically that telling that story will directly lead to a recruiting boom that will fill up our pipeline for the coming years."
Senator Bernie Sanders, on X, formerly Twitter: "We all like to enjoy a nice birthday party. But most of us don't celebrate with a $45 million taxpayer-funded military parade.
What Happens Next
The parade, according to senior defense officials, is estimated to have cost between $25 million and $45 million — a figure that includes logistics, security, transportation of heavy equipment, and air operations. That total makes it one of the most expensive single-day ceremonial military events in U.S. history.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Fox News
an hour ago
- Fox News
Trump promises to respond with 'full strength and might' of US military if Iran attacks America
U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday said the U.S. had "nothing to do with" Israel's attack against Iran but warned that any attack against the U.S. would be met with the "full strength and might" of the U.S. military. "The U.S. had nothing to do with the attack on Iran, tonight," Trump wrote on Truth Social in the early morning hours of Sunday. "If we are attacked in any way, shape or form by Iran, the full strength and might of the U.S. Armed Forces will come down on you at levels never seen before," he continued. "However, we can easily get a deal done between Iran and Israel, and end this bloody conflict!!!" Trump's comments came hours after the Israel Defense Forces claimed responsibility for a series of strikes on the headquarters of the Iranian Defense Ministry and a nuclear project, while Tehran unleashed a fresh barrage of deadly strikes. "The IDF completed an extensive series of strikes on targets in Tehran related to the Iranian regime's nuclear weapons project," the IDF wrote on X. "The targets included the Iranian Ministry of Defense headquarters, the headquarters of the SPND nuclear project, and additional targets, which advanced the Iranian regime's efforts to obtain a nuclear weapon and where the Iranian regime hid its nuclear archive." Despite Trump's statement, Iran says it has evidence that the U.S. was involved in the attack. "We have solid proof of the support of the American forces and American bases in the region for the attacks of the Zionist regime military forces," Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told foreign diplomats in a meeting broadcast on state TV. The attacks traded by Israel and Iran represented the latest violence since a surprise offensive by Israel two days earlier seeking to decimate Tehran's nuclear program. At least 10 Israeli victims were killed and at least 180 were injured in Iranian missile strikes overnight, while casualty figures were not immediately available in Iran, where Israel targeted Tehran's Defense Ministry headquarters as well as locations it alleged were associated with the country's nuclear program. The Israeli military alleged the locations were "related to the Iranian regime's nuclear weapons project." U.S. intelligence agencies and the International Atomic Energy Agency have repeatedly said Iran was not pursuing a nuclear weapon before Israel unleashed its offensive targeting Iran starting on Friday. Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard claimed that Iranian missiles targeted fuel production facilities for Israeli fighter jets, although this has not been acknowledged by Israel. Planned negotiations between Iran and the U.S. over Tehran's nuclear program were canceled amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, raising questions about when and how an end to the fighting could come.
Newsweek
an hour ago
- Newsweek
Vance Boelter's Friend Reveals More Details About Assassination Suspect
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A friend of Vance Boelter, a suspect in the assassination of Minnesota Democratic state Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband on Saturday, has revealed his last message to him before the shooting. Boelter, 57, who was identified by police as a suspect in the shooting on Saturday, reportedly rented a room in the same Minneapolis home as David Carlson, and sent his friend a cryptic text message at 6 a.m. on the day of the incident. Boelter's listed address is in Green Isle, Minnesota, an hour's drive away. Newsweek has contacted the Minnesota State Patrol and Minneapolis Police Department for comment via email. Why It Matters Hortman and her husband, Mark, were pronounced dead Saturday morning after a gunman posing as law enforcement arrived at their home in the early hours and shot them both. The shooter, who remains at large, had targeted the home of another Democratic lawmaker, state Senator John Hoffman, shortly before the attack on the Hortmans. Hoffman and his wife Yvette were shot multiple times and have undergone surgery. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz called the shooting "a politically motivated assassination." What To Know Sitting on the porch of the house that he had shared with Boelter, Carlson read aloud a text message that he received from the suspect at 6 a.m. on Saturday. The text message, which Carlson read to reporters, said: "David and Ron, I love you guys. I made some choices, and you guys don't know anything about this, but I'm going to be gone for a while. "May be dead shortly, so I just want to let you know I love you guys both and I wish it hadn't gone this way. "I don't want to say anything more, I don't want to say anything more and implicate you in any way, because you guys don't know anything about this. But I love you guys and I'm sorry for all the trouble he has caused." A poster released by the FBI for Vance Boelter, a suspect in the shooting of Minnesota lawmakers on Saturday. A poster released by the FBI for Vance Boelter, a suspect in the shooting of Minnesota lawmakers on Saturday. FBI Carlson said that he had known Boelter since fourth grade, and that he was a loving person who did not seem like the type to carry out an assassination. "He was a loving caring guy, he loved his family, he loved his friends. He loved God. I don't know why he did what he did. It's not Vance, no one will believe this, no one that grew up with him, he had lots of friends, trust me. I wish I could have been there to stop him." Carlson told KARE 11that Boelter voted for President Donald Trump in the 2024 election, and that he was a "strong supporter." However, Carlson said that Boelter had not talked about politics recently, and that he had not given his friends any indication he had an interest in state-level politics or Minnesota lawmakers. There is no indication he is affiliated with a political party. Minnesota State Patrol said they had found "No Kings" flyers in Boelter's car, which refers to the thousands of demonstrations that took place throughout the United States on Saturday in protest of President Donald Trump's policies—in response, further protests across the state were canceled Multiple groups carried out demonstrations against Trump's administration and a military parade in Washington D.C. on Saturday, which was also the president's 79th birthday. Minnesota Flags at Half-Mast Walz announced that the flags on all state buildings would fly at half-mast to honor Hortman. Walz said on Saturday: "Minnesota's flags will fly at half-staff in honor and remembrance of Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman. She woke up every morning determined to make Minnesota a better place, and she will be greatly missed." What People Are Saying Minnesota Governor Tim Walz wrote in a statement posted to X, formerly Twitter: "Today Minnesota lost a great leader, and I lost a friend. A formidable public servant and a fixture of the state capital, Melissa Hortman woke up every day determined to make our state a better place. "She served the people of Minnesota with grace, compassion, and tirelessness. Minnesota's thoughts are with her loved ones, and my prayers are with Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette, who were shot and wounded and are being treated." What Happens Next The FBI announced on Saturday they are offering a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Boelter. "Anyone with information about these shootings or Boelter's location should call the Minnesota Department of Public Safety's Bureau of Criminal Apprehension tip line at 877-996-6222 or email The public is asked to call 911 immediately if they see Boelter. Do not approach him."
USA Today
an hour ago
- USA Today
Kids are ditching traditional college for career tech programs. Parents are concerned.
Kids are ditching traditional college for career tech programs. Parents are concerned. Show Caption Hide Caption Trump signs order to combat 'woke' university accreditation process President Donald Trump directed the Justice and Education Depts. to investigate universities for 'unlawful discrimination' and 'ideological overreach. More teens are showing interest in vocational training and other non-college options after high school. Parents tend to favor traditional four-year colleges over non-degree career paths, according to a new survey from nonprofit American Student Assistance. Financial concerns and a desire for hands-on work are driving some students toward technical education. Nush Ahmed, 22, said she was "stubborn" when she went against her parents' wishes and chose to attend a career technical program 800 miles from home instead of enrolling in a traditional four-year college nearby. Her parents, who live in Buffalo, New York, and immigrated from Bangladesh, said they believed a bachelor's degree was the only path to success. But Ahmed insisted. She's one of a growing number of high school graduates turning to technical schools over two or four-year colleges at a time of spiraling student debt and new incentives for vocational education. Ahmed's choice to forego college and pursue a career working in manufacturing made her an outlier in her South Asian immigrant community, where most parents expect young women to attend college near home, she said. "I was hoping that time she would go to either medical school or engineering college to become a doctor or engineer," said her father, Shuhel Ahmed. "But she really wanted to go into to this career, so I finally decided to let her go." By the numbers: How do kids and parents feel about career technical education programs? New survey data from the nonprofit American Student Assistance shows that teen interest in college is down while interest in nondegree paths is on the rise. Meanwhile, parents are skeptical of options outside of the traditional college pathway to work. Nearly half of all students surveyed – 45% – weren't interested in going to college. About 14% said they planned to attend trade or technical schools, apprenticeships and technical bootcamp programs and 38% were considering those options. Some 66% of teens surveyed said parents supported their plans to pursue a nondegree route compared with 82% whose parents encouraged them to attend college. More: In emergency appeal, Trump asks Supreme Court to let him gut Education Department Seventy percent said their parents were more supportive of foregoing education altogether right after high school rather than pursuing a nondegree program. Young people told USA TODAY that finances, along with the desire to enter the workforce without more classroom-type academics, were among their reasons for choosing technical education. The financial burden of college was on Andrew Townsend's mind when he opted out of college. Townsend graduated from high school in Golden, Colorado, this June and decided against college, saying he wanted to go to work right away. The choice was easy for Townsend, 19, because he was offered an apprenticeship as a manufacturing technician for printer manufacturer Lexmark during his senior year through his school's career and technical education program. That turned into an 18-month internship. "When I went into high school I anticipated going to college and going into biology or sports management," Townsend said. "But I can't sit still in a class, and I want to get my hands dirty and get into work. It's financially best for me right now." More: Is the push for career education prioritizing business over students? His dad, construction worker Corey Townsend, wasn't sure what path his son would take, but he supports Andrew's choice. "My family doesn't have the most amount of money," Andrew Townsend said. "Maybe if I want to go to college later on in life, that's a choice. But for now I want to focus on myself and make my life better for me." College costs vs. career technical education costs At the nation's public colleges and universities, the average cost for in-state tuition is $9,750 per year and and the average cost for out-of-state tuition is $28,386, according to researchers at the Education Data Initiative. The price tag is higher at private colleges. The average cost of tuition and fees at those schools is $38,421,. The Education Data Initiative estimates college tuition has doubled in the 21st century. The costs of career technical education varies widely by trade and program. The average cost of a complete trade school program's tuition and fees was $15,070 during the 2022-2023 school year, according to data from the federal Education Department's National Center for Education Statistics. The Trump administration advances non-college options As parents and teens navigate their post-college options, President Donald Trump and his administration have championed career technical programs as a viable alternative to traditional two-year and four-year colleges. "Under my leadership, America will once again champion a culture where hard work is rewarded and equip our people with real skills for real careers that our communities are in desperate need to fill," Trump said in a Feb. 3 statement. "By offering more alternatives to higher education, we will train college-aged kids in relevant skills for the 21st century economy." More: Colleges report widespread problems with financial aid since Education Department layoffs During Trump's first term, he signed a bill called the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act into law. The law allows the federal government to provide states and local communities funding to enhance career and technical education programming. This term, the Trump administration announced it is reversing two Biden-era regulations that require states and local career technical education programs at high schools and community colleges to change the way they report on student progress to receive federal funding. What to do after high school ...if you're not heading straight to college 'They should let them follow their dreams' New survey data from Gallup, Walton Family Foundation and Jobs for the Future of 1,327 teens shows that most high school students and their parents are unaware of their post-high school options outside of the traditional four-year college path. The uncertainty resonated with Ahmed's father, who saw college as the only pathway to success for his daughter. Father and daughter now agree the path she chose has afforded her immense opportunity. If she could go back in time, Ahmed said, she would be less harsh on her parents for pushing college. Ahmed is enjoying the success that has come from completing a technical education program at the Universal Technical Institute, formerly known as NASCAR Technical Institute, in North Carolina. She works at a precision manufacturing company that specializes in metal and polymer 3D printing and has a podcast that highlights young people pursuing trade options after high school. She earns about $60,000 a year at her day job. "With the way she has gone through this and how she is doing now, I would say to parents that if kids want to try a short term school they should let them do and then see how it goes," Ahmed's father said. "If it goes well then great and if not, there's time to change. But they should let them follow their dreams." Contact Kayla Jimenez at kjimenez@ Follow her on X at @kaylajjimenez.
