The nation’s capital was the stage for the largest military parade in decades on Saturday to mark the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary, an event that also coincided with President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday and Flag Day. 

The spectacle, which featured thousands of troops, dozens of tanks, and dramatic aerial flyovers, came with an estimated $45 million cost to the American people. This figure includes the deployment of over 6,000 soldiers, transportation and operation of more than 150 military vehicles, including tanks and armored fighting vehicles, and the participation of over 50 aircraft in flyovers. A significant portion of the budget, up to $16 million, has been earmarked for potential repairs to Washington’s streets, which may be damaged by the heavy armored vehicles.

The Secret Service estimated that about 200,000 people would be attending the event, but eyewitness accounts described tens of thousands lining the National Mall and Constitution Avenue. The National Mall, Constitution Avenue, and Pennsylvania Avenue were blocked off for the event, with more than 18 miles of anti-scale fencing erected to manage the influx of visitors and ensure safety.

The Continental Army was established by the Second Continental Congress on June 14, 1775, in response to the outbreak of the American Revolutionary War. Prior to its formation, the American colonies relied on local militias and provincial troops, but the growing conflict with Great Britain demanded a unified, organized military force. The Continental Army brought together soldiers from all thirteen colonies under a central command, with George Washington appointed as commander-in-chief.

After the Revolutionary War, most of the Continental Army was disbanded in 1783, but its legacy continued. The United States Army, formally established in 1784, traces its institutional roots directly to the Continental Army, considering June 14, 1775, as its official birthday.

The Army’s foundational values guide its actions and culture. These Seven Core Army Values are:

• Loyalty: Faithful allegiance to the Constitution, the Army, and fellow soldiers.
• Duty: Fulfilling obligations and accomplishing assigned tasks as part of a team.
• Respect: Treating others with dignity and valuing everyone’s contributions.
• Selfless Service: Putting the welfare of the nation, the Army, and subordinates before personal interests.
• Honor: Living up to all Army values and making honor a daily practice.
• Integrity: Doing what is right, legally and morally.
• Personal Courage: Facing fear, danger, or adversity, both physical and moral.

While many celebrated the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary with pride, the manner in which the June 14 parade was conducted in Washington, D.C., drew significant criticism from various quarters. Key concerns focused on the event’s political overtones, financial cost, and perceived departure from democratic traditions.

A central criticism was that the parade blurred the line between honoring the military and promoting a political agenda. The event coincided with President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday and fulfilled his long-standing desire for a grand military display, leading many to view it as an instance of politicizing the armed forces. Critics argued that such displays are more characteristic of authoritarian regimes and undermine the apolitical nature of the U.S. military. Democratic lawmakers and protest organizers pointed out that the spectacle resembled the parades staged by leaders like Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un, rather than a celebration rooted in American democratic values.

The parade’s estimated price tag—up to $45 million—sparked widespread disapproval. Nearly two-thirds of Americans surveyed opposed the use of taxpayer money for the event, with critics contending that the funds could have been better spent on direct support for service members and veterans, such as childcare or tuition assistance. The cost was especially contentious given ongoing debates about federal spending and proposed cuts to veterans’ benefits.