Empire State Review Contributor 
On June 14, 2025, Washington, D.C., hosted a grand military parade to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States Army. The event, coinciding with Flag Day and former President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday, featured over 6,600 soldiers, more than 100 tanks, and aerial flyovers by 50 aircraft, including both historical and modern military planes . The parade route spanned Constitution Avenue, drawing large crowds and significant media attention.
Festivities extended beyond the parade, encompassing fitness competitions, live music, and equipment displays on the National Mall. Attendees had the opportunity to engage with various military exhibits, including hands-on access to advanced equipment, reflecting a blend of historical reverence and modern military prowess . President Trump delivered a speech praising the Army as “the greatest, fiercest, and bravest fighting force ever” and led an enlistment ceremony for new recruits .
While the celebration aimed to honor the Army’s legacy, it also sparked nationwide protests under the banner “No Kings,” reflecting deep political divisions. Organized by the grassroots 50501 Movement, the protests criticized the perceived politicization of the military and the intertwining of military displays with political celebrations . Demonstrators gathered in over 2,000 cities across all 50 states, voicing concerns over increasing authoritarianism and the militarization of public events.
In New York City, approximately 50,000 protesters marched down Fifth Avenue, chanting slogans like “Democracy, Not Dynasty” and “No Kings.” Actor Mark Ruffalo, addressing the crowd, likened the protesters to the Avengers, urging citizens to unite in defense of democracy and human rights . Similar demonstrations occurred in cities such as Philadelphia, Los Angeles, and Chicago, emphasizing the widespread nature of the dissent .
While most demonstrations remained peaceful, some cities experienced heightened tensions. In Los Angeles, clashes between demonstrators and police led to the use of tear gas and crowd-control measures . In Salt Lake City, a protester was critically injured in a shooting incident, and in Minneapolis, a politically motivated attack resulted in the deaths of State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, leading to the cancellation of several planned rallies in Minnesota .
The juxtaposition of the grand military parade and the widespread protests highlighted the nation’s deep divisions. Supporters of the parade viewed it as a patriotic celebration of the Army’s legacy, while critics perceived it as a politicized display reminiscent of authoritarian regimes . The events of June 14 underscored the ongoing debates over the role of the military in public life and the importance of upholding democratic values.
