From The Atlantic.
For the first time in more than three decades, the U.S. Army hosted a major military parade, commemorating its 250th birthday with a festival and procession in Washington, D.C. The June 14 celebration also fell on Donald Trump’s 79th birthday.
Critics have called out the parade’s cost—which could total as much as $45 million. The event also comes as the Trump administration faces pushback for widespread cuts to government programs, its deportation measures, and the decision to deploy 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines into Los Angeles in response to protests in the city.
The Atlantic audience and engagement editor Grace Buono spoke with parade attendees to learn what the evening’s events meant to them.
Photos: Tayfun Coskun / Anadolu / Getty; Joe Raedle / Getty; Nic Coury / AFP / Getty; Anna Moneymaker / Getty.
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