Attendees of the military parade in Washington, D.C., gathered from all corners of the United States to commemorate the Army’s 250th anniversary. The event, which took place on Saturday, coincided with Flag Day and President Donald Trump’s birthday, drawing a large crowd of patriotic Americans. Fox News Digital spoke with several attendees to understand the motivations behind their participation.
Some attendees were local residents, while others traveled hundreds of miles to witness the celebration. One attendee from the Baltimore area emphasized the sense of patriotism the event evoked, noting the significance of the occasion in relation to both the Army’s anniversary and Trump’s birthday. Another attendee, who had driven from Florida, expressed appreciation for Trump’s support of the military, calling it a ‘no better time to come to D.C.’ for such an event.
Meanwhile, attendees from Northern Kentucky highlighted the importance of the event for observing and celebrating patriotism, with one person adding that the Trump birthday connection made the event more meaningful. The parade also drew a significant number of veterans, including a 30-year Army veteran who remarked that this would be the last chance to see such a parade.
Despite the overwhelmingly patriotic atmosphere, there was a noticeable presence of anti-Trump protesters outside the event’s perimeter, though their influence was limited within the parade. A few anti-Trump attendees made it inside, expressing concerns that Trump was using the military’s celebration to ‘strut’ rather than honor the Army. These critics questioned whether Trump’s involvement in the event was more about politics than genuine appreciation for the military’s service.
The event underscored the intersection of patriotism, military commemoration, and political dynamics in the U.S. As the parade drew thousands of participants, it highlighted the diverse perspectives and sentiments that such an event can elicit, from admiration and unity to skepticism and criticism.