A massive parade showcasing American military power, requested by President Donald Trump, unfolded in the US capital, featuring tanks, troops, and marching bands. However, the event also drew thousands of protesters across the country who displayed a different kind of power: dissent.
Demonstrators gathered in streets and parks nationwide hours before the parade, which honored the Army’s 250th anniversary, to denounce the Republican president as a dictator or wannabe king.
Critics condemned Trump for deploying the military against protesters of his deportation policies and for staging a display of tanks, troops, and aircraft in Washington DC.
In Washington DC, anti-war protesters held signs with slogans like “Homes not drones,” near an exhibition of armored vehicles, helicopters, and military equipment on the National Mall, set up to mark the Army’s birthday.
Attendees were treated to bowls of red, white, and blue punch and slices of a large, Army-themed cake cut by uniformed officials with a sabre.
Vendors sold merchandise commemorating the military milestone, while others offered Trump-themed goods.
Mr. Trump has desired a military parade in Washington DC since witnessing a similar event in France in 2017, featuring tanks, soldiers, and jets.
His ambition was realized on a day coinciding with his 79th birthday and Flag Day, as the parade was incorporated into the Army celebration.
Mr. Trump received regular updates on the planning and requested specific aircraft and hardware to showcase the military’s strength.
The procession commenced from the Lincoln Memorial amidst the potential for stormy weather and concurrent protests throughout the city.
Mr. Trump dismissed both concerns, asserting via social media on Saturday morning that the “great military parade” would proceed “rain or shine.”
He previously stated that the protests “will be met with very big force.”
Prior to the parade, crowds of protesters carrying anti-Trump signs marched towards the White House, escorted by police vehicles and officers on bicycles.
Some protesters held a large banner declaring: “TRUMP MUST GO NOW.”
The parade faced criticism due to its estimated cost of up to 45 million dollars and the potential for heavy tanks to damage city streets.
The US Army implemented measures, including laying metal plates along the route, to protect the streets.
Approximately 60% of Americans considered Saturday’s parade “not a good use” of government funds.
According to an Associated Press-NORC Centre for Public Affairs Research poll, the majority of people, 78%, neither approved nor disapproved of the parade.
The event was expected to include about 6,600 soldiers, 50 helicopters, 60-ton M1 Abrams battle tanks, potentially 200,000 attendees, and heightened security measures.
