Tanks, Troops Parade In D.C. For U.S. Army's 250th Birthday

WASHINGTON, DC — With storms moving in to threaten the U.S. Army parade marking its 250th anniversary Saturday, the festivities started 30 minutes early to display the pomp and power of the American military as requested by President Donald Trump.

As the procession headed down Constitution Avenue with tanks, troops and a 21-gun salute, playing out against the counterpoint of protests around the country by those who decried the U.S. leader as a dictator and would-be king.

The Republican president, on his 79th birthday, sat on a special viewing stand south of the White House to watch the display of American military might. The procession with more than 6,000 soldiers and 128 Army tanks was one Trump tried to make happen in his first term after seeing such an event in Paris in 2017, but the plans never came together until this year.

See Also:

• Hundreds Protest Peacefully At No Kings Rallies Across Fairfax
• 'No Kings' Protesters Line Arlington Overpasses To Protest Trump 'Fascism'
• Tactical ICE Units May Be Deployed In NoVA This Weekend: Reports
• No Kings Day Protest In Essex Brings Out Best, Worst Of MD Politics

Musical performances, fitness events and a military procession through the nation's capital paid homage to the long-standing institution. However, the anniversary celebration was met with another kind of power. Thousands of American's around the country participated in "No Kings" rallies, protesting the authoritarian actions of the Trump administration, including the crackdown on immigration.

In Washington, anti-war protesters unfurled signs that said “Homes not drones” not far from a display of armored vehicles, helicopters and military-grade equipment on the National Mall set up to commemorate the Army’s birthday. Vendors outside the festival sold gear marking the military milestone. Others hawked Trump-themed merchandise.

Doug Haynes, a Navy veteran who voted for Trump, attended the daylong festival to celebrate the Army’s 250th birthday, but said that the parade “was a little over the top.”

Pointing at a nearby tank, Haynes said that having them roll down the street is a “very bold statement to the world, perhaps.”

The day kicked off with a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery.

The parade served as an "opening event" for the yearlong celebration of America's 250th birthday in 2026. Even though the planning for America's bisesquicentennial started over nine years ago, this military parade's planning only began a month prior to the event.

The parade comes at a time of political and social upheaval as thousands of American's have become increasingly upset over the Trump administration's immigration polices and ICE deportations. Demonstrators participated in a "No Kings" rally and marched in Lafayette Park out the White House.

See photos below of the 250th anniversary parade for the U.S. Army and the No Kings rally in nations capital.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.