A grand military parade has taken place in Washington D.C., with tanks, armored personnel carriers, and artillery making their way along Constitution Avenue. Such displays of military might are rare in the United States.
US President Donald Trump requested the elaborate parade to celebrate the army’s 250th anniversary. The military says the parade will cost between $25 million (€21.6 million) and $45 million.
Trump addressed the crowd following the parade, saying, “Every other country celebrates its victories, it’s high time America did too.”
Trump also stated that the US is “the hottest country in the world” and boasted about the strength of its military. He added that America’s enemies have learned that if they threaten the American people, “our soldiers are coming for you.”
The parade saw 6,600 troops, 150 vehicles, including tanks, personnel carriers, and howitzers, and over 50 aircraft, such as Apache and Black Hawks, take part. The event was also attended by thousands of spectators.
Trump, whose 79th birthday also fell on the parade date, watched the proceedings from an elevated viewing stand behind bulletproof glass.
