'Fight, fight, fight & win, win, win': Trump addresses military parade – Why US held a military parade amid 'no kings' protest

US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump watch fireworks after the Army 250th Anniversary Parade (Image: AFP)

US President Donald Trump highlighted the strength of the military and issued a warning to global adversaries during his speech at the Army's 250th anniversary parade in Washington, D.C.

The parade celebrating the 250th anniversary of the armed services also coincided with President Trump’s 79th birthday. It began at the National Mall and was described by Trump as an event “like no other.”

Trump praised US soldiers, saying, “If you threaten the American people, our soldiers are coming for you.” He also echoed a line familiar from his 2024 campaign rallies, calling soldiers “relentless” who “fight, fight, fight and win, win, win.”

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 .

The estimated cost of the event by military is between $25 million and $45 million which was defended by Trump saying, “Every other country celebrates their victories. It’s about time America did too.”

Why US held a military parade? 

• The parade commemorated the 250th anniversary of the US Army, established on June 14, 1775, as the nation’s first military force. A year before the Declaration of Independence, it stands as a significant display of national strength and unity.
• The Second Continental Congress voted on June 14, 1775, to create the Continental Army, establishing America’s first national military force over a year before independence was declared.
• The parade highlighted Army’s capabilities, featuring 6,169 soldiers, 128 tanks, armored personnel carriers, artillery, and 62 aircraft flyovers.
• Country singer Lee Greenwood sang signature song “God Bless the USA,” several bursts of fireworks lit up the sky, Trump swears in 250 new soldiers also took place at the National Mall.
• The last National Victory Celebration, was held on June 8, 1991, marked the end of the Gulf War.

While Trump held a rare military parade in Washington, protests against him erupted in towns and cities across the US, organized by the group "No Kings."

Around 200 demonstrators gathered at Logan Circle in northwest Washington, chanting “Trump must go now” and cheering loudly. A giant puppet caricature of Trump wearing a crown and sitting on a golden toilet was paraded through the crowd.

Speeches by lawmakers, union leaders, and activists took place in cities like New York, Philadelphia, and Houston, with protesters waving American flags and holding signs critical of the president.

The military parade on Saturday evening, coinciding with Trump’s birthday, celebrated the 250th anniversary of the US Army. Trump warned that any protests during the event would be met with "heavy force."