First Military Parade Since Gulf War Held In D.C.

It’s a sight one doesn’t see every day, especially in the United States, but a military parade was held in Washington, D.C., on Saturday, June 14.

This is the first military parade since the nation’s victory in the Gulf War in 1991.

The parade, which was met with criticism by some opponents to President Donald Trump, began at 6 p.m. on June 14, and saw an estimated 6,600 troops march down Constitution Ave NW, between 15th Street and 23rd Street, in the nation’s capital.

The occasion? The 250th anniversary of the oldest branch of the nation’s military, the U.S. Army.

Promising that it would be a “celebration, one like you’ve never seen before,” Trump added, in a video statement shared by the White House to Instagram, “On June 14, which is Flag Day, we’re honoring the 250th anniversary of the greatest fighting force in history, the United States Army.”

Notably, the day is also Flag Day and the 79th birthday of Trump.

Related: “Peace Through Strength” Touted By Trump As He Addresses U.S. Troops In Middle East

About The Parade

Coming one year prior to the nation’s 250th birthday, marked by the July 4, 1776, signing of the Declaration of Independence, this parade comes about in the year which marks the 250th anniversary of “the shot heard around the world.”

The Battles of Lexington and Concord were fought on April 19, 1775, and saw the American colonial militia take on British forces for the first time.

On June 14, 1775, the Second Continental Congress voted to create the Continental Army, which would go on to become the U.S. Army.

Celebrating this day, Trump said there will be “thundering tanks and breathtaking flyovers … as nearly 7,000 soldiers march in historic uniforms from every major war since the Revolution.”

It is estimated that this parade will cost up to $40 million to put on.

Related: U.S. Army Meets Its 2025 Recruitment Goal 4 Months Early

Taking The Oath, And A Warren Zeiders Performance

Partway through the parade, President Donald Trump administered the oath to recent graduates of the United States Military Academy at West Point.

There, repeating after the commander-in-chief, they swore to “support and defend the constitution of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic.”

After administering the oath, Trump said, “Congratulations. Welcome to the United States Army, and have a great life!”

Then, country singer Warren Zeiders took the stage, singing “Pretty Little Poison.”
Warren Zeiders sang “Pretty Little Poison” to the West Point graduates who took the oath to join the Army on June 14 during the military parade in Washington, D.C. (Photo credit: The White House / YouTube)
After singing, Zeiders expressed he was “nervous,” but told the soldiers who had just taken their oath to join the Army, “I am just so fortunate to be here in front of y’all, and thank you guys so much for what you guys do, and, honestly, happy birthday, y’all.”

He then performed “Ride The Lightning.”

Watch Zeiders’ performance at the parade, here:

Following remarks from Vice President JD Vance and President Trump, country artist Lee Greenwood took the stage to sing “God Bless the USA.”

Images Of The Parade

As troops marched through the nation’s capital, there were also paratroopers landing, airplanes and helicopters flying overhead, and a variety of tanks and vehicles interspersed between the formations of soldiers.

Here are some photos from the parade:
Dressed as the soldiers of the Continental Army, the U.S. Army’s Fife and Drum Corp, part of the 3rd Infantry Regiment, was among the first of the historic portion of the parade on Saturday, June 14. (Photo credit: The White House / YouTube)
Sporting the iconic blue uniform of the Union, soldiers of the 4th Infantry Division, based out of Colorado, wore a uniform associated with the preservation of the nation. (Photo credit: The White House / YouTube)
The U.S. Army Parachute Team, known as the Golden Knights, flew over the parade, landing in the grass of the National Mall. (Photo credit: The White House / YouTube)
Soldiers of the 82nd Airborne Division wore the uniforms worn by Americans during the Great War, now known as World War I. (Photo credit: The White House / YouTube)
Some soldiers wore reproductions of the uniforms worn by those who fought in the Vietnam War. (Photo credit: The White House / YouTube)
Crews on an M2 Bradley, which was used heavily in the Gulf War, wave at attendees of the military parade. (Photo credit: The White House / YouTube)
Members of the Multipurpose Company 2nd Battalion 327th Infantry Regiment march through the nation’s capital in the June 14 military parade. (Photo credit: The White House / YouTube)

“No Kings Day” Demonstrations

Along with the criticism the parade received from some, which was largely directed at the cost of the event — an estimated $40 million — there were are also demonstrations across the nation against what some perceive as the Trump administration exhibiting “authoritarianism.”

Dubbed “No Kings Day,” the June 14 demonstrations were nationwide, with its website stating:

“No Kings is a nationwide day of defiance. From city blocks to small towns, from courthouse steps to community parks, we’re taking action to reject authoritarianism—and show the world what democracy really looks like.”

This push coincides with the past week of anti-ICE demonstrations in Los Angeles, which began on June 6.

In Los Angeles, the National Guard was deployed to maintain peace, and some members of the United States Marines were deployed as well.