On June 10, President Donald Trump kicked off the activities commemorating the birth of the US Army, which would culminate in a grand parade in Washington, DC. Americans could not have had a better overture to the semiquincentennial celebration festivities celebrating its 250 years as America’s storied military service, President Trump addressed the soldiers at Fort Bragg. Opening for the president, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth got the crowd fired up and ready to greet the commander-in-chief and his America First message.
Against a backdrop tapestry of red and black berets, Hegseth set the theme for his and the president’s remarks – out with the old, in with the new. It was an appropriate sentiment for the US Army’s 250 years of history. He emphasized how wonderful it was to be at Fort Bragg, declaring with glee, “And it IS Fort Bragg.” The Pentagon leader praised his boss, saying, “I wish that Americans could see what I get a chance to see every day…our commander-in-chief, President Trump, putting America First.”
He inspired the young fighting men and women with stories of the Army’s history in taking on America’s enemies and the legacy of heroism left in the wake of the soldiers who had served. Trump discussed the exploits of the US Army throughout its 250-year history, including at Bunker Hill during the American Revolution and the siege of Fort McHenry during the War of 1812, where American sovereignty was again tested. Trump talked about then-Colonel Teddy Roosevelt charging up San Juan Hill, and in World War I, “our Doughboys fought bravely in the valley of the Marne and in the Argonne there in 1918.” He ticked off major events in World War II, Korea, and South Vietnam, calling out and recognizing former US Army descendants and relatives who served in those wars – many of whom trained at Fort Bragg.
Then came the parade held in the nation’s capital on June 14. Adding to the significance is the fact it was Flag Day. It was an entire day of remembering the amazing exploits of the senior military service, with its fighting men and women who have repeatedly saved America’s freedom. Seldom does the country take the opportunity to host a grand parade and honor a military service to which it owes so much. Reporting on the parade planning, Just the News explained: “This year’s theme, ‘This We’ll Defend,’ was originally used by the Continental Army as a battle cry.” At the beginning of the Revolutionary War in April 1775, there was only a pick-up-team militia to take on the British. Consequently, on June 14, 1775, three months after the war for independence started, the Continental Congress passed a resolution establishing the Continental Army.
The parade formed in the North Parking Lot of the Pentagon. The procession started at 23rd Street NW and Constitution Avenue, moved east on Constitution Avenue and disbanded at 15th Street SW. Participants showcased units with heritages that are as old as the United States. Parade-goers saw such legendary units as the oldest Regular Army infantry unit, the Third Infantry Regiment, known as the “Old Guard.” The 42nd Infantry Division was created during World War I, and members of the 82nd Airborne Division marched in the parade as remembrances of their legacy.
Numerous activities and events celebrating the US Army’s birthday were held on the National Mall throughout the day. Among the featured events were live military demonstrations, music, and family-friendly activities. It was a chance for patriotic Americans to join in seeing up close the US Army that protects each of us. It was a huge patriotic party, keeping in mind the importance of honoring the two and a half centuries of service. Onlookers lined the parade route as over 6,000 soldiers, 26 Abrams tanks, 27 Bradley Fighting Vehicles, Stryker fighting vehicles, and numerous historical mechanized vehicles, including World War II-era Sherman tanks, passed by. Flyovers featured CH-47 helicopters, a B-25 Mitchell, and a P-51 aircraft, with a total of 62 aircraft passing over the parade.
Additionally, there were six High Mobile Artillery Rocket Systems, mobile rocket launchers, in the procession. Sniper units and robotic dogs demonstrated the variety of capabilities displayed. It was a microcosm of the might that makes the US Army the most powerful in the world.
To cap off the evening, President Trump swore in new members of the US Army and addressed the over 250,000 in attendance with a speech that was moving, measured, and inspiring. Lee Greenwood closed the curtain on the evening, again to the strains of “God Bless the USA.” However, a comment made by President Trump at Fort Bragg sums up the US Army Parade and all the speeches, words, and descriptions: “We only have a country because we first had an Army.”
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