The weekend-long blowout celebrating the 250th birthday of the U.S. Army ended with an extravagant military parade consisting of thousands of soldiers, massive military tanks and helicopter flyovers.
President Donald Trump took the stage at the end of the night to praise the Army’s history before fireworks lit up the capital’s sky.
The day started with a festival on the National Mall where attendees had the chance to climb on top of armored vehicles and sit in the front of Blackhawk helicopters. Just a few hours later, parade goers got to see this equipment in action.
Tanks and other armored vehicles from different periods of the Army’s history rolled through the streets of D.C. as crowds waved American flags and children climbed on their parents’ shoulders for a better view. Soldiers wore uniforms from historical periods like the Revolutionary War and World War II.
Multiple flyovers soared over the heads of the crowds, passing over the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument, causing Ronald Reagan National Airport to halt flights for several hours Saturday evening.
Nearly 7,000 soldiers took part in the parade, marching with their units and waving from the top of tanks. Friends and family called out for their loved ones to “tighten up” as they marched by.
As dusk was falling, Vice President JD Vance welcomed his running mate to the stage on what was the president’s 79th birthday.
“Thanks to the greatest, fiercest and bravest fighting force ever to stride the face of this Earth – the United States Army,” Trump said after taking the stage.
Trump focused his brief speech on praising the history of the nation’s army and celebrating those who selflessly serve their country.
“There is no earthly force more powerful than the brave heart of a U.S. infantryman, or an Army Ranger, paratrooper, or Green Beret,” Trump said.
He continued, “The Army has forged a legacy of unmatched courage, untold sacrifice and equaled and undying glory.”
Trump did not speak directly of the recent developments in the Israel-Iran conflict, but rather gave a subtle warning to America’s adversaries.
“Time and again, America’s enemies have learned if you threaten the American people, our soldiers are coming for you,” Trump said. “Your defeat will be certain. Your demise will be final. And your downfall will be total and complete.”
The night concluded with a display of fireworks over the Tidal Basin.
