The Atlantic Daily, a newsletter that guides you through the biggest stories of the day, helps you discover new ideas, and recommends the best in culture. Sign up for it here.
Yesterday, the American public witnessed one of the most extravagant and unusual displays of patriotic pageantry in recent memory: an Army festival and military parade in the nation’s capital. Nearly 7,000 soldiers, 28 Abrams tanks, 50 helicopters, 34 horses, two mules, and a single dog marched through a cloudy and drizzling Washington, D.C. The event, a celebration of the Army’s 250th anniversary, also fell on President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday—and took place against a backdrop of fierce immigration crackdowns and nationwide protests against the administration. While millions demonstrated across the country, crowds in the capital appeared lower than expected as thunderstorms threatened in the forecast.
Parade-goers in patriotic ensembles stand near a screen showing a video about the Army’s history.
Onlookers along the parade route
Parade-goers wave flags beneath the Washington Monument.
A group of onlookers waits for a glimpse of President Trump, who watched the parade from a stage south of the White House.
An observer photographs military helicopters flying in formation through cloudy skies. The aerial displays also featured World War II–era planes and drones, showcasing military equipment of the past and future.
Crowds watch the Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps from behind barricades near the National Museum of African American History. The corps’ uniforms recall those worn by Continental Army musicians during the Revolutionary War.
As the parade proceeds along the National Mall, parachuters from the Army Golden Knights descend onto the White House Ellipse to present President Trump with a folded American flag.
A child takes a moment of respite as protesters demonstrate near the parade route.
