On Saturday, a military parade took place in Washington, D.C., drawing attendees from all over the United States. Many traveled hundreds of miles to honor the Army’s 250th birthday, which coincided with Flag Day and President Donald Trump’s birthday. The parade was a unique event, celebrating both patriotism and military service.
Fox News Digital spoke to several participants who shared their reasons for attending. Some were local, while others, like a group from Northern Kentucky, expressed their desire to pay respect to veterans and the military. They noted that it was a bonus to celebrate Trump’s birthday as well.
One attendee from the Baltimore area expressed a strong sense of patriotism, saying, “We’re celebrating Flag Day, the 250th anniversary of the Army — coincidentally, it’s also Donald Trump’s birthday.” This sentiment was echoed by others who felt that attending the parade was a way to show support for the military and the president.
Attendees included veterans, some of whom felt this parade might be their last chance to witness such an event. A 30-year Army veteran mentioned, “I figured this would be the last chance I’d get to see a parade like this.” Another veteran, who traveled from Michigan, emphasized the significance of the Army’s celebration.
While the atmosphere was largely supportive of Trump, there was a small group of anti-Trump protesters present, though they were mostly outside the parade perimeter. One protester shared their concerns about Trump’s approach, suggesting he was using the military for personal gain rather than honoring their service.
Overall, the parade brought together a diverse crowd united in their love for the country and its armed forces, with many attendees expressing their pride in being part of such a momentous occasion.