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Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Performances you missed from the U.S. Army's 250th birthday parade
Last week, Washington, D.C., transformed into a hub as it prepared to host the monumental 250th anniversary celebration of the United States Army. Against a backdrop of political discussions and public demonstrations, the city focused on commemorating this historic milestone for one of the nation's most enduring institutions. The celebration was a blend of musical performances, including country music artists, Army veterans and the esteemed U.S. Army Drill Team. Exhibitions throughout the parade showcased key military highlights from its 250-year history. Although President Donald Trump's 79th birthday coincided with the occasion, the spotlight remained on honoring the distinguished legacy and commitment of the United States Army. Here are a few of the highlights from the weekend's festivities. The U.S. Army Drill Team, a drill unit known for its precision drill and excellence, serves as 'good-will ambassadors,' per the military's website. The Drill Team is a part of the historic 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, which is the Army's official ceremonial unit. Another captivating element during Saturday's parade was the display of military uniforms from various eras, along with commentary on technological and tactical evolutions in the military's operations. Grammy Award-winning country music legend Lee Greenwood performed his patriotic anthem, 'God Bless the USA,' capturing the spirit of the celebration. Greenwood later posted on social media about the event. Army veteran and Purple Heart recipient Scotty Hasting performed his song 'I'm America,' paying tribute to military service members. Hasting uses his music as a therapeutic outlet, in hopes of helping others struggling with loss or mental health challenges. 'For me, the demons of PTSD knock the loudest when it's quiet. When I have a guitar in my hands I find peace,' he shared on his website. Country music star Warren Zeiders performed a few of his hit songs, like 'Pretty Little Poison' and 'Ride the Lightning,' wishing the Army and the president a happy birthday. Zeiders took to X before the event, reposting a video with a military service member, highlighting the events about to take place. The celebration reached its grand finale with a breathtaking fireworks display that illuminated the night sky, concluding the U.S. Army's birthday festivities. Additional performances throughout the event included DJ Nyla Symone and Noah Hicks.
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Army vets married on branch's birthday experience Honor Flight
WASHINGTON (KELO) — Army veterans Frankie and Joe Laird of Sioux Falls will celebrate 57 years of marriage on June 14. 'Nobody I'd rather spend any time with,' Joe said Tuesday at the Marine Corps War Memorial in northern Virginia. Thousands of sticky notes highlight mental health, 988 Their wedding anniversary is also the Army's anniversary, and the branch has a big one in 2025: 250 years. The Lairds experienced the memorials of northern Virginia and Washington, D.C. Tuesday alongside other honored veterans; Midwest Honor Flight, a nonprofit organization based out of Iowa, brought the group to the area. Joe's time with the Army between 1965 and 1989 included the fall of Saigon, and the trip to Washington took place just six days after the 50th anniversary of April 30, 1975. Nearly all of the 85 honored veterans on the trip, including Joe and Frankie, served during the Vietnam War era. Santella: How are you feeling about the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War? Have you been thinking about that? 'It was so long ago for me, it was like in another lifetime,' Joe said Tuesday. 'I don't spend any time dwelling on it anymore.' The welcomes the veterans received with their trip Tuesday were a far cry from how the country received its servicemen and servicewomen decades ago. 'They looked at me, like, disgusted because I had to wear my uniform when I traveled,' Frankie said as she sat next to her husband Tuesday. Veterans had to process hostility and press forward. 'I'll tell you the truth: I never lost any sleep over that any way,' Joe said. 'I had my job to do, and I did it. I didn't care what they thought.' Today, they feel appreciated. 'I want people to understand how organized this is,' Joe said about the trip to Washington. 'This is run well … the whole thing has just been super,' Frankie said. 'And not just the tour people from Midwest Honor Flight, but in the airports and driving around at Arlington and stuff,' Joe said. 'The people that just show up and clap.' 'And clap and say, 'thank you, thank you, thank you for all you've done,'' Frankie said. 'We didn't have that when, during the Vietnam era.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
