The Army celebrated its 250th birthday with a grand parade in Washington, D.C., featuring thousands of soldiers, tanks, and flyovers. President Donald Trump, accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, watched as the parade showcased various eras of the Army’s history, from the Revolutionary War to the present day.
The parade, which lasted nearly two hours, saw around 6,600 soldiers marching in uniforms representing different conflicts throughout history. Tanks and military vehicles, including World War II-era Sherman tanks and Gulf War-era M1-Abrams tanks, rolled through the streets of Washington. The event also featured flyovers by vintage aircraft and a parachute team.
Trump praised the Army for its role in keeping America free and strong, expressing gratitude for the sacrifices made by generations of warriors. The celebration concluded with a fireworks display and a performance of “I’m Proud to Be an American” by Lee Greenwood.
While the parade drew thousands of spectators to the National Mall, it also faced criticism for its estimated cost of $25 million to $45 million. Some Democrats questioned the expense, suggesting that the event was more about self-aggrandizement than honoring the Army.
The parade coincided with growing protests organized by the “No Kings” coalition, which began as a response to ICE operations targeting illegal immigrants. While the group did not hold demonstrations in Washington, protesters were seen among the parade spectators. The protests spread to other parts of the country, with incidents of violence reported in Los Angeles.
In a tragic turn of events, former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband were killed by an assailant posing as a police officer. Another Democrat, Sen. John Hoffman, and his wife were injured in a separate attack. Police have identified a suspect, and a statewide manhunt is underway.
As the Army marked its milestone anniversary, the parade served as a tribute to the brave men and women who have served throughout history. Despite the controversies surrounding the event, it was a moment to honor the Army’s legacy and celebrate its contributions to the nation’s defense.
