Washington, Jun. 15, (dpa/GNA) – A large military parade was held in the US capital Washington on Saturday to mark the 250th anniversary of the founding of the US Army.

It is also the birthday of US President Donald Trump, who turned 79 years old on Saturday.

The parade – also seen as a display of military power – was countered by a series of demonstrations against Trump and his policies in hundreds of locations across the country.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) said more than 5 million people nationwide rallied at over 2,100 events across the US.

“Today’s protests are a resounding message that people across the nation will not be intimidated by President Trump’s fear tactics,” ACLU chief political and advocacy officer Deirdre Schifeling said in a statement.

“Americans are brave, democracy loving people and will not sit idly by as the Trump administration feeds our Constitution into the shredder — nor will the ACLU.”

As the protests were held, about 7,000 soldiers in modern and historical uniforms took part in the military parade in Washington. More than a hundred vehicles and aircraft, including heavy armoured vehicles, were also on display.

The parade ran for several blocks towards the White House. Trump watched on from a grandstand, before addressing the crowd.

“America stands tall, America stands proud, and America stands free. We’re the hottest country in the world right now,” Trump told the crowd.

“And our country will soon be greater and stronger than ever before.”

Every other country celebrated their victories, he said.

“It’s about time America did too.”

During his first term in office, Trump had wanted a military parade based on the French model. However, he cancelled the plan due to the high costs.

Many of the people at the parade were holding US flags, some were wearing red MAGA – Make America Great Again – caps showing their support for Trump’s agenda.

GNA

PDC