Thousands attend Army’s 250th parade as ‘No Kings’ protests sweep nation
Photo by Elton Lugay
WASHINGTON — Under warm, humid skies, thousands gathered on the National Mall Saturday to mark the US Army’s 250th anniversary with a grand military parade, festival, concert and fireworks — even as “No Kings” protests unfolded in major cities nationwide.
According to the National Park Service, about 200,000 people attended the America250 celebration in Washington, D.C., making it one of the largest gatherings on the Mall this year.
Army soldiers in current and historic uniforms march along Constitution Avenue during America250. Photos by Elton Lugay
Meanwhile, organizers of the “No Kings” rallies reported that more than 5 million people participated in coordinated protests across over 2,000 communities nationwide, making it one of the largest single-day protest actions since Trump’s first term.
President Donald Trump, celebrating his 79th birthday, presided over the evening parade, praising the Army as the “greatest, fiercest and bravest fighting force” and vowing that “America’s adversaries…your defeat is inevitable, your end will be conclusive, and your downfall will be total.”
Trump, appearing unfazed by the protests, received a 21-gun salute and an impromptu chorus of “Happy Birthday” from the crowd before administering the oath of enlistment to 250 soldiers.
President Trump, delivering a speech at America250, appears on the Jumbotron. Photo by Elton Lugay
The parade, which began shortly after 6 p.m. along Constitution Avenue, featured more than 6,700 soldiers in historic and modern uniforms, 84 military vehicles — including 28 Abrams tanks — and dramatic flyovers by Air Force jets.
The spectacle capped a day-long festival with interactive exhibits, fitness competitions and military demonstrations, followed by a concert at the Ellipse and a fireworks show over the Tidal Basin. Despite intermittent rain, crowds swelled throughout the day, with many drawn by the rare display of military might.
Spectacular fireworks light up the night sky following the concert at America250. Photo by Elton Lugay
Among those in attendance, Sgt. 1st Class Bryan Quiroga, a Filipino American artilleryman, reflected on the milestone. “Me and my team, my unit is out here celebrating the Army’s 250th birthday,” Quiroga told Inquirer.net USA, gesturing toward his howitzer. “We’ve been in existence since 1775. It’s just a big significant milestone.”
Bryan Quiroga / Photo by Elton Lugay
For Quiroga, who has served 17 years and completed two combat deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan, the event was personal. “I’m the first one [in my family] to join, so being out here as part of this celebration means a lot to me. I’m proud to wear the uniform and to be serving with my fellow men and women.”
He emphasized the parade was about honoring service, not politics. “We’re here to celebrate the existence of the Army since 1775. Nothing to do with President Trump.”
For Vicky Torres, a cashier from Alexandria, Virginia, the parade was a once-in-a-lifetime chance to witness history. “They say this is only the third time in US history that something like this has happened,” said Torres in an interview with Inquirer.net USA, who immigrated from Cavite, Philippines.
Vicky Torres / Photo by Elton Lugay
“I’m not a MAGA supporter,” she added with a laugh, “but I respect whoever is the sitting president, Democrat or Republican. That’s part of living here.” Torres said she came for the spectacle, not the politics. “It’s exciting to see the tanks and all the action. You don’t get to see this every day.”
Still, she voiced concern about recent deportations. “A lot of people are being deported unexpectedly — not just Filipinos, but everyone. Some have lived here their whole lives…It feels unfair.” Yet, she expressed pride in her adopted country. “We’re proud to be here, to experience this, and to see our country in a good way. No matter what, we belong.”
Emma Diga, a Maryland resident, told Inquirer.net USA the Army’s anniversary was about recognizing its global impact.
Emma Diga and husband / Photo by Elton Lugay
“They have contributed a lot to the whole world, not just America,” she said. “They’ve helped in peacekeeping, in aiding others, in all aspects. We should show our support and gratitude for them.”
Diga, herself an immigrant, urged others to follow the legal process: “I myself was once illegal…It’s not right to just be here illegally. If you’re not doing things properly, then you shouldn’t be here, right?” For her, the celebration was a reminder of both sacrifice and responsibility.
While the festivities in Washington drew a massive crowd, the day was also marked by coordinated “No Kings” protests in more than 2,000 communities nationwide, with organizers denouncing what they called the administration’s “authoritarianism, billionaire-first politics, and the militarization of democracy.”
Philadelphia and Los Angeles saw especially large rallies, with millions participating in what organizers described as the largest single-day protest since Trump’s first term. In contrast, no major “No Kings” protests were reported in D.C., as organizers focused flagship events elsewhere to highlight their message.
The parade’s estimated cost — up to $45 million — drew criticism from some lawmakers and D.C. residents concerned about government spending and potential damage from heavy military vehicles. Still, the Army’s milestone was marked with both pageantry and protest, reflecting a nation divided over the meaning and use of military power.
The celebration concluded with a concert and a fireworks display lighting up the summer night, as attendees lingered on the Mall, marking a historic anniversary in the capital — and a day of dissent across the country.
