A large-scale military parade took place in Washington, D.C., on June 14, 2025, to mark the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army. The event also coincided with President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday and was accompanied by widespread protests across the United States. The parade featured thousands of soldiers, modern military hardware, historic vehicles, and aircraft flyovers, while critics questioned both the cost and the political tone of the celebration.
The procession began early due to the threat of rain, with 6,700 soldiers and 84 military vehicles—including 28 Abrams tanks—making their way across the National Mall. Attendees observed historical reenactments from major U.S. wars, including the Revolutionary War, World War I and II, the Korean and Vietnam Wars, and the more recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Military aircraft, including Apaches, Black Hawks, Chinooks, and vintage planes such as the B-25 and P-51 Mustang, filled the skies above Washington.
President Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and other officials watched from the reviewing stand near the White House. Throughout the event, Trump stood and saluted passing troops. The president also administered the oath of enlistment to 250 new recruits and re-enlisting soldiers in a ceremony near the end of the parade.
In addition to military displays, entertainment included a concert, fireworks, and skydiving performances by the Golden Knights, the Army’s parachute team. Attendees gathered near the Washington Monument and along Constitution Avenue to witness the procession, though some bleachers reserved for guests remained sparsely filled.
Corporate sponsorships helped offset some of the parade’s projected $25–$45 million cost. Among the sponsors were Coinbase, Palantir, UFC, and traditional defense contractors like Lockheed Martin and Amazon. Organizers said measures were taken to minimize road damage from the heavy vehicles, such as using rubber track pads and metal plating.
While the parade was intended as a patriotic tribute to the Army’s legacy, its timing and tone drew criticism. Many viewed the event as closely tied to Trump’s political agenda. The presence of MAGA merchandise vendors and chants of support for Trump throughout the crowd gave the gathering an appearance more in line with a campaign rally than a national observance. The Army, officially apolitical, was placed at the center of a public event that some former military officials and analysts described as politically charged.
Simultaneously, large-scale protests occurred in cities nationwide under the banner of “No Kings Day.” These protests, staged in nearly 2,000 locations, criticized the administration’s approach to immigration, civil liberties, and the use of military force in domestic settings. Demonstrators carried signs promoting democratic values, immigration reform, and healthcare access. In Los Angeles, tensions flared when police deployed tear gas and flash bangs to disperse crowds. Protesters responded with fireworks and chants. National Guard and Marines were deployed to protect federal buildings, drawing mixed reactions from the public.
One protester in LA, Samantha Edgerton, expressed frustration with what she described as a disproportionate response from authorities. In Philadelphia, demonstrators continued marching after scheduled events had ended, with several detentions reported. In Virginia, a protest turned dangerous when an SUV reportedly drove into a crowd, leading to at least one injury.
Despite the protests, some parade attendees emphasized their support for the troops while distancing themselves from the political undertones. Vietnam veteran Melvin Graves, who never received a welcome home after his service, said the parade felt like a long-overdue acknowledgment for veterans. “You get past that. This is about going to honor these men and women who served,” he said.
Others, like Richmond resident Kathy Straus, attended to express an alternative perspective. Holding a sign critical of the parade’s cost, she described interactions with Trump supporters as respectful, noting that most people were willing to have a civil conversation.
Polls indicate that a majority of Americans—roughly six in ten—viewed the parade as an unnecessary use of federal funds. Some lawmakers, including Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois, argued that the resources could have been better spent on defense medical research or veteran care.
As the event concluded with a fireworks display over the Tidal Basin, Trump stated that he hoped the day would remind Americans of their country’s strength and the power of its military. However, the sharp contrast between the celebratory tone in the capital and the chants heard in cities across the country reflected an ongoing national divide over how best to honor the armed forces and uphold democratic values.
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