Tanks, heavy artillery, armored vehicles, and thousands of soldiers from different historical periods paraded this Friday on the National Mall for a controversial event marking the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army, which also served as a celebration of the 79th birthday of Donald Trump.
The event, which had a markedly nationalist tone, included music from Metallica and Led Zeppelin, as well as a fireworks show. The unprecedented parade had a cost of $45 million.
Western democratic countries, such as France, Mexico, and Chile, hold annual military parades, but they also serve as a display of power in nations with authoritarian governments, like Russia and North Korea.
In the United States, an event like this has very few references and the last time a parade was held in the capital of the country was for the end of the Gulf War in 1991.
6,000 soldiers paraded in front of Trump
From a stage with a view of the White House, Trump and First Lady Melania Trump watched as more than 6,000 military personnel passed by, accompanied by senior officials and political allies. During his speech, the president stated: “The military keeps us free to make ourselves strong. And tonight, they have made all of America very proud.”
With a strongly patriotic rhetoric, Trump closed the event by stating that “it was about time for the United States to celebrate its own victories”. He reiterated that the country is going through a prominent moment globally and stated that “it will soon be greater and stronger than ever before”.
The day started with a 21-gun salute and the performance of “Hail to the Chief” to welcome the president and the first lady. The parade began 30 minutes early due to the threat of rain and was led by the Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, evoking the Continental Army that fought in the War of Independence.
One of the most striking aspects was the presence of soldiers wearing uniforms from different military eras, including World War II. M1 Abrams armored vehicles, mounted machine guns, howitzer cannons, and paratroopers completed the show of force.
On stage with the president were the vice president, JD Vance; the Secretary of State, Marco Rubio; the Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth; and several Republican lawmakers, including far-right activist Marjorie Taylor Greene.
During his participation, JD Vance also pointed out that June 14 is not only the president’s birthday, but also his wedding anniversary. “Happy birthday, Mr. President,” Vance said before introducing Trump. “But I would get in trouble if I didn’t mention that it is also my wedding anniversary. So, to my lovely wife: I love you, darling.”
Fewer people than expected at the event
Although an attendance of up to 200,000 people had been estimated, the participation was visibly lower according to USA Today, probably due to the weather conditions announced for the afternoon. Nevertheless, the event did not lose its festive character or its strong political message.
The show included a ceremonial presentation of the folded American flag to the president and the first lady, followed by the performance of “God Bless the USA” by singer Lee Greenwood.
A fireworks display lit up the sky over the Washington Monument, marking the end of an event that evoked similar celebrations to Independence Day.