President Donald Trump praised the United States Army as the “greatest, fiercest and bravest fighting force” at the conclusion of a grand display of military might in the nation’s capital Saturday as the Army celebrated its 250th birthday with a parade.

The United States Army parachute team, the Golden Knights, descend on the military parade in Washington, D.C. on June 14, 2025, President Trump’s birthday. Courtesy: America250

In May 1865, the national government threw itself a parade. It had been more than a month since the rebellion in defense of slavery was finally put down. It had been more than a month since the assassination of Abraham Lincoln shook the feeling of triumph.