This Saturday, June 14th, brings together three important dates on one day. It’s Flag Day. It’s the 250th birthday of the U.S. Army. And it happens to be President Trump’s 79th birthday too.
All these events are coming together in Washington D.C. with a massive military parade. But there’s also something else happening that day. Anti-Trump protesters are planning what they call “No Kings” rallies across the country.
What’s Happening in Washington
The Army’s 250th birthday celebration will include a grand military parade in Washington D.C., featuring 6,600 soldiers, 150 military vehicles, and 50 aircraft. The parade will take place along Constitution Avenue NW near the National Mall, with events beginning at 8 a.m. and the parade starting at 6:30 p.m.
There will be 28 Abrams tanks taking part in the evening parade, with metal plates laid down on the street to prevent damage from the 68-ton machines. The parade will include reenactors and equipment from conflicts including the Revolutionary War, Civil War, and Spanish-American War.
This isn’t just some random event. Army officials began discussing how they might structure the event in early 2024, before Trump’s electoral victory. The celebration marks the anniversary when the Continental Congress voted to create the Continental Army to defend the colonies from the British.
Why This Matters to Conservatives
For conservatives who believe in honoring our military and celebrating American history, this parade represents something important. It’s a chance to show respect for the men and women who have served our country for 250 years.
As White House Domestic Policy Council Director Vince Haley said:
“As one of the first events of the year-long celebration of our 250th anniversary, this commemorative parade will be a fitting tribute to the service, sacrifice and selflessness of the brave men and women who have worn the uniform”.
The parade also shows American strength at a time when our enemies around the world are watching. Trump defended the parade on “Meet the Press,” saying :
“We have the greatest missiles in the world. We have the greatest submarines in the world. We have the greatest army tanks in the world. We have the greatest weapons in the world. And we’re going to celebrate it”.
This kind of display hasn’t happened since the Gulf War. It’s a way to show Americans and the world that we’re proud of our military.
The Cost Question
Critics are talking about money. The Army estimates the total cost could be $45 million, with up to $16 million just to repair Washington streets after the tanks roll through.
Trump called this “peanuts compared to the value of doing it”. When you think about it, $45 million is a tiny fraction of what we spend on defense every year. It’s less than what some cities spend on a single highway project.
For conservatives who want a strong military and believe in celebrating American values, this cost seems reasonable for a once-in-a-lifetime event.
What the Opposition is Planning
The same day as the parade, anti-Trump groups are organizing protests they call “No Kings” rallies. Organizers estimate millions of people will protest in more than 1,500 cities across all 50 states.
The 50501 movement (short for “50 protests, 50 states, 1 movement”) is one of the main groups organizing these protests. They started on Reddit and have been organizing demonstrations since February.
Interestingly, there will be no organized protest in Washington D.C. itself.
As Leah Greenberg of Indivisible said:
“We want to create contrast, not conflict”.
The protesters are using language like “reject authoritarianism” and claiming Trump wants to be a king. As the 50501 Movement wrote on Instagram:
“The wannabe dictator wants a party? Well then, let’s show him some ‘love'”.
Why the Protests Miss the Point
These protesters seem to misunderstand what’s really happening. This isn’t about making Trump look like a king. It’s about celebrating the Army’s 250th birthday on Flag Day.
Trump himself said:
“My birthday happens to be on Flag Day. I view it for Flag Day, not necessarily my birthday”.
The protesters are calling this authoritarian. But showing respect for our military and celebrating American history isn’t authoritarian. It’s patriotic.
Countries like France have military parades all the time. Nobody calls them dictatorships. Trump was inspired by seeing France’s Bastille Day celebration with President Macron in 2017.
What’s Happening in Nevada
The situation in Carson City, Nevada, shows how these competing events are playing out across the country. The Nevada National Guard has always celebrated Flag Day and the Army’s birthday at the Capitol, according to Capt. Emerson Marcus.
This year, the Guard’s ceremony will happen at the same time as a 50501 protest across the courtyard
The anti-Trump protest organizers sent invitations to Governor Joe Lombardo and Representative Mark Amodei to attend their “No Kings” rally. According to protest spokesperson Fassah R. Galt, both officials have not yet responded to the invitations.
Marcus said:
“This year will be unique in that we will also have people exercising their First Amendment rights at the same time — rights that the U.S. Army and the flag help provide and protect”.
That’s a classy response. The military is protecting the very rights the protesters are using.
Looking Ahead
This parade could be the start of more events celebrating American military history. This is described as “one of the first events of the year-long celebration” of the Army’s 250th anniversary.
The broader celebration of America’s 250th birthday is coming in 2026. How we handle events like this parade will set the tone for those celebrations too.
Conservatives should push for more events that celebrate American history and military service. We shouldn’t let loud protesters define how we remember and honor our past.
If you’re near Washington D.C., consider attending the parade. Free tickets are required and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Show up and be part of celebrating our military heritage.
This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
