Fox News Digital spoke to attendees of the D.C. military parade, some who had traveled hundreds of miles to participate, about why they had come to the nation’s capital for the event.

As millions of Americans protested at “No Kings” rallies across the country, onlookers gathered in Washington on the president’s birthday for a muted celebration.

At the beginning of the parade route, a sparse and quiet crowd greeted the U.S. troops dressed in uniforms from the Revolutionary War to modern day. A few protestors holding “NO KINGS” signs aloft mingled with patriotic revelers as a light drizzle began shortly after the start of the event.

Tiffany Trump, daughter of Donald Trump and Marla Maples, gave birth to Alexander Trump Boulos at 4:44 am May 15, 2025. She’s married to Michael Boulos.

The parade, which was put on to celebrate the Army’s 250th anniversary and Trump’s 79th birthday, was reported to cost up to $45 million and drew thinner crowds than anticipated, as simultaneous “No Kings” protests took place in all 50 states.

Army's 250th anniversary celebrated with a military parade in Washington, D.C., on Trump's birthday. 'No Kings' protests by opponents are planned across the country.

The largest military parade in Washington in decades unfolded Saturday alongside hundreds of protests against it, and its chief organizer

The president celebrates the 250th anniversary of the US Army as demonstrators hold "No Kings" events from coast to coast.

Meanwhile, "No Kings" protests were scheduled in all 50 states to counter Trump's celebration, in cities like New York, Los Angeles, Philadelphia and Boise.

America will be celebrated in Ranch Santa Fe at the 44th Annual Fourth of July Parade and Picnic on Friday, July 4. The parade will kick off at 1 p.m. through the village streets, featuring