The United States Army celebrated its 250th birthday with a grand military parade on June 14, where around 6,600 troops proudly marched. This significant event took place in Washington, D.C., commemorating a milestone for one of the nation’s most essential institutions.
However, after the festivities, many took to social media buzzing with claims that the spectacle contained an unspoken message directed towards President Donald Trump. These discussions arose due to certain details spotted during the event.
The parade was held to honor the Army’s prestigious history, with President Trump attending alongside First Lady Melania Trump, key members of his administration, and military leaders. Reportedly, the celebration incurred a substantial cost of about $45 million, as noted by Reuters.
President Trump addressed the crowd, saying, “Tonight, we affirm with unwavering certainty that in the years ahead, and in every generation hence, whenever duty calls and whatever danger comes, the American Soldier will be there.” This event was notable as the first large-scale military parade in the U.S. since 1991, featuring not only soldiers but also advanced military technology like robot dogs and tanks, moving down Constitution Avenue.
Nevertheless, the response on social media was mixed. Footage showcasing the soldiers marching with what appeared to be a lack of coordination drew attention. The sparse audience also fueled speculation about the soldiers’ enthusiasm for participation in the event.
One user shared a video clip, commenting, “I’ve marched in more military parades than I even care to remember. Probably watched dozens more as a spectator. And this is easily the worst and sloppiest marching I’ve ever witnessed at a formal military parade. It feels like a big ‘f**k you’ to Trump from the soldiers.”
Another observer questioned the relaxed demeanor of the soldiers, saying, “Why do they look so relaxed? Is that standard for a military parade?” Comments implying a lack of support for the president included one person suggesting that the troop’s apparent stance was unmistakable, “I think it’s code for ‘We hate this mother f**king president’.”
Further remarks highlighted dissatisfaction, with another individual noting, “They looked like they didn’t even want to be there,” while someone encouraged the troops, declaring, “Good for them!” The overall sentiment seemed to convey a message of endurance rather than endorsement.
One memorable comment reflected on the performance quality, stating, “The formation was a mess. The energy? Dead. The message? Clear as day: They’re not marching for Trump. They’re enduring him. This wasn’t patriotism. It was protest in uniform.”
According to a statement from the White House, over 250,000 patriots attended to show their support for the Army’s historic anniversary. However, observations from various outlets, including The Independent, reported that the actual turnout appeared much smaller, with empty seats visible throughout the venue.
During the ceremony, President Trump expressed his gratitude for the military’s service and declared the U.S. to be the “hottest country in the world right now.”
Touching on President Trump’s own military history, it’s known he received multiple draft deferments during the Vietnam War era due to academic commitments at the University of Pennsylvania and a medical condition—bone spurs, which were described by NHS as ‘bony lumps that grow on the bones’, ultimately exempting him from service duties. By age 22, these deferments, including one medical, ensured he avoided active military service during a conflict that resulted in substantial American casualties.
