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For the first time in more than three decades, tanks and soldiers marched through Washington, DC's city streets on Saturday as the United States celebrated the 250th birthday of its Army. But the gigantic military parade, including more than 6,600 troops, 150 military vehicles such as M1 Abrams tanks, Paladin howitzers, and 50 planes, also doubled as a celebration of the 79th birthday of President Donald Trump, attracting patriotic spectators and intense protests. The US last hosted such a demonstration of military power on home turf in 1991, after a win in the Gulf War. But Saturday's display once again reignited debate over using military symbolism in domestic politics, particularly at a moment of profound national conflict.

Why This Parade, Why Now?

The military parade, officially marking the milestone of the US Army, took on further political importance when Donald Trump said earlier this year that he planned to celebrate his birthday with a big display of military might. While the event planning started before Trump's presidency, it was during his time that the parade idea transformed into what many have referred to as a "vanity project." After seeing France's Bastille Day parade in Paris during a visit there in 2017, Trump had long expressed his wish to have a similar spectacle held in Washington. An earlier attempt to hold a Veterans Day parade in 2018 was canceled due to high costs. Talking before the event on Saturday, Trump said, "It's going to be a big day. We want to show off a little bit. The parade is estimated to have cost between 25 million USD and 45 million USD, and featured military marching bands, fireworks, and honors for veterans.

Widespread Protests Under 'No Kings' Banner

But not everyone in the US was feeling celebratory. Nationwide, hundreds of coordinated protests were staged under the banner "No Kings," a rebuke to what protestors claim is Trump's authoritarian style in wielding power. Organisers reported millions had participated in nationwide rallies, listing Trump's crackdowns on immigration, his contentious deportation raids, and deployment of the National Guard against protestors as reasons underlying their discontent. In New York, Philadelphia, Houston, and Los Angeles, the protesters held flags and placards demanding the defense of democracy. During protests in Los Angeles, they turned into confrontations with police, where tear gas was used to disperse protesters around federal buildings.“I just feel like we need to defend our democracy,” said Karen Van Trieste to the BBC, a 61-year-old nurse from Philadelphia. “Trump’s cuts to public health agencies are just one of the many reasons I’m here.”

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Concerns over Trump's immigration policies also propelled many into the streets. The recent deployment of the National Guard in California, over the objections of Governor Gavin Newsom, fueled public anger. “It’s not just harsh, it’s evil. You don’t separate families,” Jose Azetcla said to the BBC, a member of the civil rights group Brown Berets, during the Los Angeles protest. In spite of the agitation, a Government poll showed that 54 per cent of Americans approve of Trump's immigration enforcement policies, even as they continue to be a lightning rod for demonstrations. The conflicting symbolism of US troops mirrored one side marching proudly through the capital, while uniformed soldiers were simultaneously deployed to control civilian protests in other cities.

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While some of the citizens interpreted the event as a tribute to military history and sacrifice, others perceived it as an unsettling demonstration of authoritarianism. The double-edged aspect of the event as both a military memorial and a political gesture exposed the divides in American society.