Tanks, troops and marching bands gathered in the US capital for a grand parade of American military might, orchestrated by President Donald Trump, a spectacle that was met with protest from thousands across the country.
Hours before the start of a parade marking the Army's 250th anniversary, demonstrators took to streets and parks across the country to denounce the Republican president, calling him a dictator or would-be monarch.
They criticized Trump for using the military in response to protests against his deportation initiatives and for sending tanks, thousands of troops and warplanes to stage a show in the capital.
In Washington, D.C., anti-war activists unfurled signs reading “Houses, Not Drones” near a display of armored vehicles, helicopters and military hardware on the National Mall to mark the U.S. Army's birthday.
Participants in the celebration were given bowls of red, white and blue punch, as well as pieces of a large army cake, which was cut with a sabre by officials in uniform.
Vendors outside the festival offered merchandise commemorating the military milestone, with some selling Trump merchandise.
President Trump has wanted to hold a military parade in Washington ever since he watched one in France in 2017 that featured tanks, soldiers and jets in the sky.
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
