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.

Thousands turned out to enjoy festivities and a sprawling military parade in Washington, D.C., even as dismal weather forecasts and nationwide anti-Trump “No Kings” protests threatened to dampen the Army’s 250th birthday celebration.

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

Palantir, the data analysis and technology firm whose contracts with the federal government are expanding, and Coinbase, a cryptocurrency firm that donated to the president’s inauguration, also sponsored the event. Oracle, a database company whose co-founder is a close friend of Mr. Trump’s, received a shout-out on Saturday as a sponsor.

The parade was the spectacle event Trump had long wanted. It also helped sparked the largest mass opposition to him since his inauguration 145 days earlier.

Sen. Rand Paul criticized the June 14 military parade, arguing that it was too expensive and “glorified” weapons.

At a glance … The final round of the US Open, the PGA Tour’s third major, gets underway this morning at Oakmont Country Club in Pennsylvania. Sam Burns has the overnight lead at 4-under. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler is tied for 11th.

Watch as hundreds of protesters gather in Roosevelt Park in Ames to protest President Donald Trump on June 14, 2025 for 'No Kings Day.'