Fox News Digital spoke to attendees of the D.C. military parade, some who had traveled hundreds of miles to participate, about why they had come to the nation’s capital for the event.

The United States Army parachute team, the Golden Knights, descend on the military parade in Washington, D.C. on June 14, 2025, President Trump’s birthday. Courtesy: America250

Shortly after 6:15 p.m., an announcer declared, “Ladies and gentlemen, our parade is officially under way.” Members of the military began marching past the reviewing stand, as people in the crowd applauded and held up their phones.

Though Saturday, June 14, is President's 79th birthday, the Washington D.C. parade is meant to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army.

The demonstrations follow more than a week of large-scale protests in Los Angeles against Mr. Trump’s immigration crackdown and his decision to deploy the military there. Protesters gathered in Liberty Plaza outside of the Georgia State Capitol in Downtown Atlanta.

The Army parade on Saturday is part of a year of celebrations leading up to the 250th anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Declaration of Independence next July 4th. Other events expected in the com

The last time the United States held a national military parade was in June 1991, timed to welcome returning veterans of the 100-day Persian Gulf War.

A military parade Saturday evening will mark the Army’s 250th anniversary, but thunderstorms and anti-Trump demonstrations could dampen the mood.