Trump Honors US Army at 250th Anniversary Parade
On June 14, 2025, coinciding with his 79th birthday, former President Donald Trump took center stage at a grand military parade in Washington, D.C., celebrating the United States Army’s 250th anniversary. The event featured thousands of soldiers, a fleet of tanks and military vehicles, and impressive aerial displays, drawing large crowds along the National Mall.
Vice President JD Vance, Second Lady Usha Vance, and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth were among the notable attendees present to acknowledge the historic milestone.
Trump’s Defiant Defense of the Military Celebration
During his stirring 10-minute address, Trump paid tribute to the US Army, calling it the "oldest branch of the greatest fighting force ever known to man." He justified commemorating the milestone, emphasizing that while other nations celebrate their military victories, it was high time America did the same.
Trump’s remarks highlighted the bravery of US soldiers, vividly recalling their sacrifices through imagery of "frostbitten feet and bloody fists" and “driving bayonets into the heart of sinister empires.” His assertive rhetoric concluded with a rallying cry: "Our soldiers never give up, never surrender and never ever quit—they fight, fight, fight and win, win, win."
Pushback: Nationwide ‘No Kings’ Protests Challenge Trump’s Authority
While the military parade celebrated tradition and valor, opposition voices rose sharply in cities across the country. In places like New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia, tens of thousands rallied against Trump’s policies, particularly targeting his recent immigration raids and broader executive actions since returning to office in January.
Labor unions and liberal activists united to stage “No Kings” protests, challenging what they described as an overreach of presidential power. Though no major demonstrations were planned in Washington, D.C., a small group of protesters gathered near the White House to express dissent.
The Scale of the Military Display
Officials reported the parade featured an impressive lineup, including:
- More than 6,600 soldiers
- Six M1A1 Abrams tanks
- Four World War II-era P-51 aircraft
- 16 UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters
- Eight CH-47 Chinook helicopters
Following the parade, celebratory fireworks lit up the sky over Washington, marking both the Army’s enduring legacy and the former president’s milestone birthday.
