The U.S. Army celebrated its 250th anniversary on Saturday with a massive military parade in Washington, D.C., against a backdrop of political division and protests savaging President Trump rippling across the country.
Trump, whose 79th birthday corresponded with the Army anniversary, had long dreamed of holding such a display of America’s military might.
The parade stirred up controversy for what opponents view as a politicization of the nation’s armed forces and a break from U.S. democratic norms, and sparked an organized No Kings protest movement across the country on Saturday.
Here’s how the day unfolded
1. Stormy clouds didn’t rain on the parade
Despite threats of lightning and storms rolling into D.C., the parade went ahead as advertised.
It featured dozens of armored tanks and artillery vehicles, such as HIMARS, army aircraft, including Black Hawk helicopters and Apaches, and more than 6,000 uniformed troops. The idea was to walk viewers through the history of American military conflict, with some historical uniforms and vehicles being used.
The U.S. Army marked its 250th birthday on Saturday with a military parade including roughly 6,600 troops, 150 vehicles, and over 50 aircraft.Â
Kevin Dietsch
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Members of the U.S…
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