First Military Parade Since Gulf War Held In D.C.
It’s a sight one doesn’t see every day, especially in the United States, but a military parade was held in Washington, D.C., on Saturday, June 14.
This is the first military parade since the nation’s victory in the Gulf War in 1991.
The parade, which was met with criticism by some opponents to President Donald Trump, began at 6 p.m. on June 14, and saw an estimated 6,600 troops march down Constitution Ave NW, between 15th Street and 23rd Street, in the nation’s capital.
The occasion? The 250th anniversary of the oldest branch of the nation’s military, the U.S. Army.
Promising that it would be a “celebration, one like you’ve never seen before,” Trump added, in a video statement shared by the White House to Instagram, “On June 14, which is Flag Day, we’re honoring the 250th anniversary of the greatest fighting force in history, the United States Army.”
Notably, the day is also Flag Day and the 79th birthday of Trump.
About The Parade
Coming one year prior to the nation’s 250th birthday, marked by the July 4, 1776, signing of the Declaration of Independence, this parade comes about in the year which marks the 250th anniversary of “the shot heard around the world.”
The Battles of Lexington and Concord were fought on April 19, 1775, and saw the American colonial militia take on British forces for the first time.
On June 14, 1775, the Second Continental Congress voted to create the Continental Army, which would go on to become the U.S. Army.
Celebrating this day, Trump said there will be “thundering tanks and breathtaking flyovers … as nearly 7,000 soldiers march in historic uniforms from every major war since the Revolution.”
It is estimated that this parade will cost up to $40 million to put on.
Taking The Oath, And A Warren Zeiders Performance
Partway through the parade, President Donald Trump administered the oath to recent graduates of the United States Military Academy at West Point.
There, repeating after the commander-in-chief, they swore to “support and defend the constitution of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic.”
After administering the oath, Trump said, “Congratulations. Welcome to the United States Army, and have a great life!”
Then, country singer Warren Zeiders took the stage, singing “Pretty Little Poison.”
After singing, Zeiders expressed he was “nervous,” but told the soldiers who had just taken their oath to join the Army, “I am just so fortunate to be here in front of y’all, and thank you guys so much for what you guys do, and, honestly, happy birthday, y’all.”
He then performed “Ride The Lightning.”
Watch Zeiders’ performance at the parade, here:
Following remarks from Vice President JD Vance and President Trump, country artist Lee Greenwood took the stage to sing “God Bless the USA.”
Images Of The Parade
As troops marched through the nation’s capital, there were also paratroopers landing, airplanes and helicopters flying overhead, and a variety of tanks and vehicles interspersed between the formations of soldiers.
Here are some photos from the parade:
“No Kings Day” Demonstrations
Along with the criticism the parade received from some, which was largely directed at the cost of the event — an estimated $40 million — there were are also demonstrations across the nation against what some perceive as the Trump administration exhibiting “authoritarianism.”
Dubbed “No Kings Day,” the June 14 demonstrations were nationwide, with its website stating:
“No Kings is a nationwide day of defiance. From city blocks to small towns, from courthouse steps to community parks, we’re taking action to reject authoritarianism—and show the world what democracy really looks like.”
This push coincides with the past week of anti-ICE demonstrations in Los Angeles, which began on June 6.
In Los Angeles, the National Guard was deployed to maintain peace, and some members of the United States Marines were deployed as well.
