“The Army ensures our freedom, you fortify our strength, and this evening, you have instilled immense pride in all Americans,” Trump remarked to the soldiers at the event, according to CNN.
Trump has shown a keen interest in organizing a significant military parade since witnessing the Bastille Day parade in Paris in 2017. During his initial term, senior officials were reluctant to proceed due to worries regarding the costs and public opinion surrounding such an event. Nevertheless, his second term offers an opportunity to honor the Army’s 250th anniversary, which aligns with Trump’s 79th birthday.
“Every other nation celebrates their triumphs — it is high time America did the same,” the president stated, praising the “magnificent display” of tanks, troops, and aerial flyovers.
Trump also conveyed his condolences and gratitude to American veterans and those who lost their lives in combat: “We cherish you, we respect you, and we honor your valiant service to our flag and our nation.”
He remarked that the U.S. Army “has driven bayonets into the core of malevolent empires, vanquished the aspirations of wicked tyrants beneath the treads of American tanks. It has performed admirably, achieved so much, and sent the devil himself into a full retreat.”
He delivered a powerful message during a time of global conflict, as reported by CNN.
“Repeatedly, America’s adversaries have discovered that if they threaten the American populace, our soldiers will come for you, your defeat is inevitable, your end will be conclusive, and your downfall will be absolute and total,” he declared.
During the parade festivities, Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were given a folded flag that had flown over the Capitol and subsequently enjoyed a live rendition of Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA.”
Earlier this month, Trump also marked the D-Day invasion of France, which aimed to liberate Europe from the grip of tyranny.
In the early hours before dawn on June 6, 1944, American and Allied forces launched an assault on a 50-mile stretch of beach in Normandy, France, achieving a significant victory that shifted the momentum of World War II and altered the course of history. The largest amphibious invasion ever—Operation Overlord—was executed through careful planning, employing 13,000 aircraft and gliders, 23,400 paratroopers, 5,000 ships and landing craft, and approximately 160,000 troops from the United States, Britain, and Canada. By the end of the day, the bravery and courage of the Allied soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines, and merchant mariners had secured the day, establishing beachheads on all five landing beaches – Omaha, Utah, Sword, Gold, and Juno. However, this victory came at a significant cost. Over 9,000 Allied service members were either killed or wounded that day, ensuring that freedom would once again triumph across the European continent.
On the 81st anniversary of D-Day, we take a moment to honor the warriors whose indescribable bravery, fierce resolve, and steadfast patriotism secured this crucial victory for the global fight for freedom. The monumental triumph achieved on land, at sea, and in the skies over Normandy led to the liberation of Europe, the downfall of the malevolent Nazi regime, and the safeguarding of democracy. We express our gratitude to those young men who responded to their nations’ calls and confronted the horrors of war to vanquish tyranny—and we remain eternally grateful to the souls who sacrificed their lives in this noble endeavor. It is our solemn duty to remember their heroic tales, honor their sacrifices, and ensure that the freedom for which they fought may never again be threatened.
