By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News
WASHINGTON (Worthy News) – Calm returned to the streets of Washington after cheers and chants reverberated through America’s capital Saturday from a crowd of thousands as soldiers crewed modern and historic tanks and aircraft for the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary.
They were watched by U.S. President Donald J. Trump, the commander-in-chief, who wanted a march inspired by the pomp and pageantry of Bastille Day, France’s annual celebration of the 1789 revolution.
His critics viewed the event as reminiscent of the militarism proudly projected by autocracies like Russia, China, and North Korea.
Yet Trump made clear he seeks to “rebuild” the military and, accompanied by First Lady Melania, seemed to enjoy the spectacle.
Gunners positioned atop Bradley Fighting Vehicles shouted “U-S-A, U-S-A,” among Trump’s favorite words at campaign rallies.
The Army Golden Knights parachuted onto the Ellipse during the military parade along Constitution Avenue Northwest that brought veterans, active-duty soldiers, and everyday Americans to Washington.
HARD ROCK
With hard rock from two iconic bands, Metallica and Led Zeppelin, blaring on loudspeakers, more than 6,000 soldiers marched, accompanied by spectators, including the president and First Lady, who watched from a stage with the White House visible behind them.
In total, the event featured 50 helicopters, 60-ton M1 Abrams battle tanks, and lots of enthusiasm, played or real, among the troops marching along.
The Army’s anniversary celebration coincided with Trump’s 79th birthday, making him the oldest person to lead the world’s main superpower, and Flag Day.
At the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary, President Trump also administered the Army Oath of Enlistment to a group of new soldiers and honored a group of troops reenlisting in the Army amid reports of growing interest in serving in the military since he became president. “Congratulations, congratulations. Welcome to the United States Army and have a great life,” he told the soldiers after their last words of the Oath, “So help me God” were said in unison.
Yet it seemed a far cry from thousands of Americans who earlier in the day gathered in cities across the country — including Atlanta, Philadelphia, and Houston — for an organized day of rallies dubbed “No Kings Nationwide Day of Defiance” against Trump’s policies.
Trump defied his critics. “The Army keeps us free to make us strong,” Trump said in his remarks at the conclusion of the parade and a short concert before a fireworks display. “And tonight, you have all Americans very proud.”
Copyright 1999-2025 Worthy News. This article was originally published on Worthy News and was reproduced with permission.
More Worthy News
A revised draft of a UN Security Council resolution outlining the “Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict” is set to be circulated by the United States for review among Security Council members, according to an exclusive report by The Jerusalem Post.
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has declined to immediately pursue membership in the Abraham Accords, citing Israel’s control of the Golan Heights as a primary obstacle, though he suggested the Trump administration could eventually facilitate such negotiations.
French authorities have opened a formal judicial inquiry after chaos erupted during a concert by the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra in Paris, where protesters lit flares and shouted anti-Israel slogans before being subdued by audience members.
Russia’s Republic of Dagestan has become the focus of an embarrassing aviation scandal after a helicopter carrying senior defense-industry officials broke apart in mid-air and crashed — an event caught on video and widely shared online, prompting authorities to launch a criminal investigation.
The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) faced an unprecedented crisis Monday after its director-general and head of news resigned amid accusations of political bias at what was once regarded as the flagship of both Britain and journalism worldwide.
President Donald Trump secured a significant diplomatic breakthrough Monday as Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa signed an agreement bringing Syria into the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, making the war-torn nation the 90th member of the U.S.-led counterterrorism alliance.
In a disappointing setback for religious freedom advocates, the U.S. Supreme Court declined without comment to hear former Kentucky county clerk Kim Davis’s appeal, leaving in place a $360,000 judgment against her for refusing to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples. The justices let stand lower court rulings that found she violated couples’ constitutional rights under the 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges decision, despite what her legal team characterizes as a conflict with her First Amendment religious liberty rights.