Over 200,000 people from all over the United States gathered on Constitution Avenue in Washington, D.C. for a military parade honoring the Army’s 250th anniversary on June 14.

The parade featured over 6,000 Army soldiers, tanks, helicopters and jets from different war periods.

Among those watching the parade was Coarsegold native Maj. Gen. Dave Hall, the deputy commanding general at Army Futures Command. He shared how the Central Valley shaped his perspective on serving.

“The Central Valley has expanded my view on service and what it means to be a patriot,” Hall said. “Its residents serve in many different ways: the ag industry, first responders and teachers…I noticed that the community wrapped their arms around my own family, supporting them until I came home.”

Before the parade began, the U.S. Army Band performed songs like “September,” “American Soldier” and “Hail to the Chief.” After the band performed, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Vice President JD Vance and President Donald Trump were introduced to the stage.

The event started by commemorating the Revolutionary War, where soldiers were dressed in colonial-style uniforms on horseback. As the parade went on, P-51 fighter jets from World War II and UH-1 helicopters from the Vietnam War flew over the National Mall.

Many in attendance decorated themselves with “Make America Great Again” gear, singing “Happy Birthday” to the president and repeatedly chanting “U.S.A.”

“[It is important to] show patriotism, [to show] support of America,” said Steve Wich, an attendee at the parade. “We should come together as a country, and this is something that everyone should celebrate.”

Others in attendance held up “No Kings” signs as part of the nationwide “No Kings” protests happening on the same day of the parade, which protested the large-scale military parade and the Trump administration.

One attendee, Peter Sallinger, quietly held up a sign that stated “No Kings” on one side and “Don’t Tread on Me” on the other.

“I’m here to protest a massive, unprecedented military parade on a president’s birthday,” Sallinger said. “It costs tens of millions of dollars with tanks rolling through my city. And I don’t like it.”

The name “No Kings” originally refers to the anti-monarch revolutionary period in American history. Now, “No Kings” demonstrations are protesting the current administration and themes of authoritarianism.

Some Army officials believe that the parade will help boost recruitment, which has been staggering in numbers over the recent years.

“I am hopeful that the parade, displays across the mall and the opportunity to meet soldiers [will provide] a glimpse into the Army team and what it means to serve,” Hall said.

Major American wars were highlighted chronologically from the Korean War to the Gulf War, with some current technologies like robot dogs being showcased.

When the parade concluded, Vance and Trump both delivered remarks.

“We must remember the young men and women who put on the uniform and served this nation are our most prized resource,” Vance said. “We must honor them, we must respect them, we must fight for them and that’s exactly what the Trump administration aims to do every single day.”

Vance later added some statements about military service.

“We never ask you to go to war unless you absolutely have to, and when we do ask you to go to war, we give you the weapons and the support needed to kick the hell out of the enemy and come back home safely,” Vance said.

After Vance concluded his speech, Trump took to the podium and gave a lengthy speech that framed the United States as a global force.

“Time and time again, America’s enemies have learned that if you threaten the American people, our soldiers are coming for you, your defeat will be certain, your demise will be final and your downfall will be total and complete,” Trump said.

After Trump spoke, a soldier gifted him a folded American flag, which is typically only given to families of fallen soldiers.

The event concluded with a 20-minute fireworks show over the National Mall.

While some in attendance felt patriotic and proud, others believed the event was a failed attempt at a display of strength and power.

“The president is giving us a very visceral and visual example of the intimidation techniques that he’s been using and I think that’s drawn people to come out and protest,” Sallinger said. “I don’t like the visuals, and I think it’s un-American.”