Trump Praises Military Force at US Army’s 250th Anniversary Parade

President Donald Trump celebrated the US Army’s 250th anniversary with a grand parade in DC, praising its strength while protests against his policies took place nationwide.

In an impressive and somewhat polarising display, President Donald Trump hailed the United States Army as the “greatest, fiercest and bravest fighting force” during a grand parade held in Washington, DC, celebrating the Army’s 250th anniversary. He concluded the event with a hard-hitting message, emphasizing that enemies who threaten America will meet their inevitable defeat at the hands of its soldiers. Trump’s words resounded strongly, especially given the ongoing conflicts around the globe.

“The Army keeps us free, you make us strong, and tonight, you have made all Americans very proud,” he declared to thousands of soldiers gathered at the National Mall. Interestingly, this military spectacle coincided with the president’s own 79th birthday, with significant fanfare accompanying his appearance. Upon arrival, attendants celebrated him with a 21-gun salute, after which the crowd spontaneously sang “Happy Birthday” in a rather festive atmosphere.

The parade, which featured a mind-boggling array of military hardware, was massive—with several million pounds of equipment on display. Heavy hitters like the M1-A1 Abrams tanks and Stryker vehicles rolled through the streets, along with Howitzers and more. Nearly 7,000 soldiers participated in what has been termed the largest military parade in the nation’s capital in decades, a spectacle that officials estimate could cost upwards of $45 million.

Exploring the Army’s long and storied history, the parade showcased various eras of service and highlighted different uniforms and equipment. Emcees provided historical context for each segment, narrating tales from the Revolutionary War all the way through to the present day, much to the crowd’s appreciation.

This ambitious celebration had been brewing for two years. Although planning for the parade ramped up just a few months prior, Trump’s longstanding wish for a military parade had previously been axed due to budgetary concerns and the optics of appearing overly militaristic. This time, he promised a unique display, regardless of the anticipated stormy weather, although not all planned events went off without a hitch.

While Trump basked in the glory of the parade, protests sprang up across America under the banner “No Kings.” Approximately 2,000 demonstrations were noted in all 50 states to speak against what they deem Trump’s authoritarian approach. Interestingly, although the protests kept a distance from the parade in DC, some activists gathered, brandishing signs denouncing his administration.

These protests were not standalone. They followed a week of unrest stemming from immigration raids across major cities, particularly Los Angeles. In a controversial decision, the President federalized 4,000 National Guard members in California to secure federal properties during these protests, directly defying the state’s governor. In a preemptive move, Texas as well as Missouri activated their National Guards to preempt protests, highlighting a nationwide tension at play during what should’ve been a celebratory day for the Army.

In summary, the 250th anniversary parade for the US Army showcased a grand military presence, with President Trump emphasising the Army’s strength amidst ongoing global conflicts. Meanwhile, simultaneous protests around the nation highlighted a stark division in public sentiment against perceived authoritarianism. The lavish display and pomp were met with objections, painting a multifaceted picture of patriotism versus dissent in contemporary America.

Original Source: www.cnn.com