President Trump held the Army’s 250th anniversary with a military parade.
Coinciding with the President’s 79th birthday and Flag Day, the parade included armored tanks and artillery vehicles, aircrafts and more than 6,000 troops. Troops from every Army division participated in the event. In addition, the parade showcased the history of American conflict, beginning with soldiers dressed in attire used during the Revolutionary War to uniforms used in the present.
President Trump was inspired to throw a parade during his first term when he attended the annual Bastille Parade held in France in 2017. The parade celebrates the beginning mark of the French Revolution when citizens stormed the Bastille state prison in 1789.
“It was one of the greatest parades I’ve ever seen,” said Trump in 2018. “We’re going to try and top it.”
While military parades in Washington D.C. are often only used as a way to show victory at the end of a war, President Trump believed that it was a great way to show the strength of the U.S. military.
President Trump delivered a speech during the parade to express his excitement for the event.
“Tonight, we affirm with unwavering certainty that in the years ahead, and in every generation hence, whenever duty calls and whatever danger comes, the American Soldier will be there. No matter the risks, no matter the obstacles, our warriors will charge into battle, they will plunge into the crucible of fire and they will seize the crown of victory because the United States of America will always have the grace of Almighty God and the iron will of the United States Army,” said President Trump.
Vice President JD Vance, second lady Usha Vance and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth were also present for the parade.
“Great parade and fireworks show in honor of the Army’s 250th anniversary. Congratulations and thank you to all of our great soldiers!” said Vance in a post on X.
Vance also delivered a speech at the parade and expressed his gratitude to the soldiers.
“This evening, as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States Army, the oldest branch of the greatest fighting force ever known to man, I want to say to all of the soldiers all across our nation’s capital and all across the world, happy birthday soldiers we’re proud of you,” said Vance. “You represent an unbroken line of greatness, of excellence, and one of the things that the President of the United States has told his entire administration is ‘that we must remember that the young men and women who put on their uniform and serve this nation are our most precious resource.’ We must honor them, we must respect them, we must fight for them and that is exactly what the Trump administration aims to do every single day.”
In addition, First Lady Melania Trump also released a short statement on Truth Social, stating “The 250th birthday of the U.S. Army was a powerful reminder of America’s enduring strength and sacrifice. Grateful for all who serve and protect our great nation.”
Following the parade, the White House released an official press statement.
“An iconic grand parade wrapped up a day of festivities celebrating the legacy of the U.S. Army and the generations of heroes who have protected our country with strength, selflessness, and bravery — and looking boldly forward to the next 250 years of patriotism and military achievement,” said the White House.
However, many were displeased with the government’s decision to throw such a parade. Many were upset that the parade had cost between $25 million to $45 million to produce.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom expressed his gratitude to U.S. soldiers, but condemned President Trump’s decision to throw a parade that also coincides with his birthday. Newsom and President Trump have recently been enthralled in a conflict following President Trump’s decision to illegally deploy the National Guard on Californians protesting the rise of ICE’s presence in Los Angeles.
“Our service members are the heroes. We are PROUD of the U.S. Army and the brave men and women who serve. They’ve dedicated their lives to something bigger than themselves. Today should be about them. Not Donald Trump,” said Newsom in a post on X.
In response to the parade, “No Kings” formed over 2,100 marches around the country to protest the President and show the current feelings the American people have on the state of the country.
“On June 14—Flag Day—President Trump wants tanks in the street and a made-for-TV display of dominance for his birthday. A spectacle meant to look like strength. But real power isn’t staged in Washington. It rises up everywhere else,” said No Kings on their official website. “The flag doesn’t belong to President Trump. It belongs to us. We’re not watching history happen. We’re making it happen”
While President Trump and his administration believed that the parade was a successful showcase and celebration of the U.S. Army, it garnered a mixed reaction from activists and state leaders.
