 "US President Donald Trump delivers address at US military parade in Washington DC. AP")
US President Donald Trump lauded the American Army and warned the country’s global adversaries as he delivered remarks at the historic military parade in Washington, DC. The parade, which commenced from the National Mall on Saturday, commemorated the 250th anniversary of the armed services. Interestingly, it coincided with Trump’s 79th birthday.
In his remarks after the parade, Trump thanked the troops, telling the gathering that “The Army keeps us free, makes us strong.” “Time and again, America’s enemies have learned that if you threaten the American people, our soldiers are coming for you,” he said as he warned the US’s global adversaries .
“Your defeat will be certain. Your demise will be final, and your downfall will be total and complete. Our soldiers never give up, never surrender, and never quit," Trump added. “They fight, fight, fight and win, win, win,” he remarked, which was followed by thunderous applause.
Later in the speech, the president offered gratitude to the troops and veterans, telling the crowd that “thanks to their [US military’s] extraordinary service and devotion, 250 years later, America stands tall, America stands proud, and America stands free.” “We love you, we honour you, and we salute your noble service to our flag and our country,” Trump said.
‘No king protests’, rain nothing stopped Trump’s parade
The Trump administration conducted the parade with whole elan and panache amid concerns that rain would dampen the celebrations. According to ABC News, 84 military vehicles, including 28 Abrams tanks, 6,700 marching soldiers and other military presentations, were all on tap for the celebration.
Many people in attendance donned MAGA hats, and some in the crowd even burst into singing “Happy Birthday,” as the parade was about to begin. The parade had to start half an hour early, 6 PM (local time), due to the weather conditions.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsTrump arrived at the parade with First Lady Melania Trump as they watched the procession march down Constitution Avenue from a viewing stand near the White House. Trump stood and saluted the troops as they passed. Also in attendance were Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, a former Army soldier and Guardsman, and Vice President JD Vance, a Marine veteran, and his family.
Vance spoke briefly after the parade, highlighting the Army’s birthday and wishing the president a happy birthday, too.
“To our soldiers, we’re so proud of you, and let me tell you that the way we honour you and respect you is, number one, we never ask you to go to war unless we have to," the vice president told the crowd. Vance also spoke about his wife, Usha, telling the crowd, “To my lovely wife, I love you, honey, and happy anniversary.”