The United States has the most powerful Armed Forces in the world. However, its soldiers are not very accustomed to parading, and that was evident in the parade promoted by the President of the United States, Donald Trump, on the day of his 79th birthday, under the pretext of celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Army. Storm forecasts forced a change in the program, and the rain also detracted from the spectacle that was gifted to the president. The president seemed relatively pleased with the party, with which he finally fulfilled an old dream.
The lack of coordination of movements and the misalignment of soldiers from numerous units seemed more typical of a flag-raising ceremony for young recruits than of the military displays of dictatorial regimes like those of China, North Korea, or Russia. However, the celebration of an unusual military parade in Washington, which had not experienced a military parade since 1991, following the end of the first Gulf War, has led critics to compare Trump with authoritarian leaders and social organizations to counter-program the parade with their demonstrations and gatherings under the slogan No Kings. The protests in Washington approached the parade area, but the police contained them without the need to use the “great force” with which Trump had threatened.
Trump has shown multiple signs of his authoritarian drift in his second term. Additionally, organizing a military display while troops are mobilized in Los Angeles to suppress the protests over the president's immigration policies puts the Army in a delicate position, at risk of politicization.
The organizers moved the parade forward by half an hour to avoid the storm. The flights of aircraft were also moved up and were somewhat diminished by a covered sky. The rain was light and intermittent during most of the parade, so it did not ruin the event. However, it did alter its development. The closing parachuting show, in which the Army's Golden Knights team was supposed to land near Trump to present him with a folded United States flag, had to be restructured and moved forward.
The parade began with a procession of military personnel dressed in historical uniforms, in commemoration of the War of Independence, the Civil War, World War I, and World War II, and then with more modern combat uniforms. Soldiers, tanks, armored vehicles, and even robotic dogs passed in front of Trump.
Large areas of the space reserved for the public were deserted. Visibility was not very good except for the honor stand or those in the front rows. Many resigned themselves to following the parade through the giant screens set up. There were no stands for the public, who particularly celebrated the appearance of tanks and heavy armored vehicles and the descent of paratroopers.
Towards the end of the parade, Trump swore in 250 new soldiers. Afterward, there was a small concert. The artists turned their backs to the audience and performed for the president and his companions.
After his speech, they sang Happy Birthday again. Before the spectacular fireworks, Lee Greenwood took the stage, singing God Bless the USA, the song favored by the Republican to enter the scene at his party events. Trump supporters were clearly the majority among the public. It was a sort of private party. Between verses, Greenwood also wished Trump a happy birthday.
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