Crowds honor Army’s 250th anniversary and Trump’s birthday in D.C. with a military parade, drawing both supporters and critics.

Parade Marks Army Anniversary and President’s Birthday

Thousands of people gathered along U.S. 50 in downtown Washington, D.C., to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States Army with a grand military parade on Saturday. The event coincided with Flag Day and President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday, creating a unique atmosphere that mixed historic commemoration with personal celebration. As Trump concluded his remarks and welcomed First Lady Melania Trump to the dais, the assembled crowd broke into an impromptu rendition of “Happy Birthday,” prompting the president to pause and smile as he was presented with a folded American flag that had flown over the Capitol earlier in the day.

The flag, delivered by a young Army officer on behalf of the Army Golden Knights, symbolized both the Army’s storied history and the significance of the moment. Vice President JD Vance also noted that the day marked his wedding anniversary with Second Lady Usha Vance, underscoring the event’s personal milestones.

Attendees Travel Far and Wide, Patriotism on Display

Many in attendance had traveled hundreds of miles to witness the celebration. For some, the parade was an opportunity to express patriotism and gratitude for the military. “For me, this is a sense of patriotism,” said one attendee from the Baltimore area. “We’re celebrating Flag Day, the 250th anniversary of the Army—coincidentally, it’s also Donald Trump’s birthday.”

Others echoed this sentiment, including supporters from Florida and Kentucky who emphasized their respect for Trump’s approach to the military and their pride in being present for such a significant occasion. “There’s no better time to come to D.C. to support our military than when we have a president who really respects our military—a president like Donald Trump,” said one attendee who traveled from Florida. “We’re very patriotic people, so I think it’s important to come here and just observe it, just enjoy it.”

Veterans also made up a notable portion of the crowd. “I figured this would be the last chance I’d get to see a parade like this,” shared a 30-year Army veteran. Others, like a veteran who drove from Ann Arbor, Michigan, cited the Army’s anniversary as their main motivation for attending.

Celebration Amid Divided Sentiments

While the event showcased broad patriotic enthusiasm, it was not without controversy. Critics, including Senator Adam Schiff of California, argued that the parade was less about honoring the military and more about serving as a “vanity show” for Trump. Representative Steve Cohen, D-Tenn., even introduced legislation to prevent taxpayer funds from supporting such events. Outside the parade perimeter, a visible anti-Trump presence reminded onlookers of the country’s deep political divisions.

Some protestors, including seasoned demonstrators, made it inside the event to voice concerns about the message being sent. “I feel like (Trump) is trying to strut, instead of celebrate, the army. I don’t like the way that he is putting our military to the forefront as if it were celebrating a threat,” said one attendee who has protested at several Trump-related events in the past.

Despite these divisions, the majority of paradegoers remained focused on the Army’s historic milestone and the spirit of national unity. The parade, combining celebration, tradition, and political overtones, reflected both the pride and polarization shaping America today.