The Voice News: WASHINGTON (AP) — Saturday was a day of stark contrasts in America — filled with funnel cakes, military pageantry, street protests, and political tension.As the U.S. Army marked its 250th anniversary and President Donald Trump celebrated his 79th birthday, festivities in Washington showcased a grand military parade, a spectacle Trump had long desired. Meanwhile, widespread protests erupted across the country under the banner of “No Kings,” with demonstrators pushing back against what they see as authoritarian overreach and the politicization of the military.Parade and Pageantry in the CapitalIn Washington, the National Mall transformed into a dramatic stage of military might. Tanks rolled, helicopters thundered overhead, and more than 6,000 soldiers marched in period uniforms — from the ragtag troops of the Revolutionary War to the sleek camouflage of today’s U.S. Army. Flyovers featured more than 60 aircraft, including vintage World War II planes and Vietnam-era helicopters. The Golden Knights parachute team ignited cheers as they descended through red smoke.President Trump, joined by First Lady Melania Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, delivered a short but fiery speech. “There is no earthly force more powerful than the brave heart of the U.S. military,” he declared. “From Bunker Hill to the mountains of Afghanistan, the Army has forged a legacy of unmatched courage and sacrifice.”The parade — delayed for years but now fulfilled — was billed as both a tribute to the military and a celebration of Trump’s leadership. Attendees waved flags and wore Trump-themed apparel. Vendors sold commemorative merchandise marking both the Army’s milestone and Trump’s birthday.Resistance Across the NationBut across the country, thousands of Americans took to the streets in protest. In Los Angeles, where federal troops remain deployed following unrest triggered by immigration crackdowns, a peaceful crowd was met with force. Police on horseback charged at demonstrators, using batons and firing tear gas. “We were just standing and chanting,” said 37-year-old protester Samantha Edgerton. “It turned violent for no reason.”In Atlanta, police deployed tear gas to block protesters from reaching a major highway. Loudspeaker warnings of “unlawful assembly” preceded the crackdown. In Charlotte, officers used bicycles to form barricades against marchers, prompting chants of “Let us walk” and “No more Nazis.”In Culpeper, Virginia, one protester was injured when a vehicle accelerated into a crowd following an event. Meanwhile, in Philadelphia, demonstrators marched with an upside-down American flag, a symbol of distress.Florida’s Capitol grounds in Tallahassee also saw large crowds, with protest signs reading “One Nation Under Distress.” Organizers stressed nonviolence amid warnings of a heavy law enforcement presence.Divided OpinionsEmotions ran high on both sides. Larry Stallard, 82, came from Kansas City to witness the parade. “It’s one of the best days of my life,” he said, calling Trump “one of the best presidents in my lifetime.”Others saw the day as a troubling display. Wind Euler, 62, traveled from Arizona to protest. “My father fought at Iwo Jima. He was a Republican,” she said. “But I believe he would be horrified by the fascist imagery we’re seeing.”Army veteran Aaron Bogner from Culpeper criticized Trump’s use of the military for political theatrics. “It’s not patriotism,” he said. “It’s a personal birthday party with tanks — like something out of North Korea.”A Nation on EdgeThe protests were largely peaceful, but tensions remained high in the wake of political violence. In Minnesota, Governor Tim Walz urged residents to avoid rallies after the assassination of State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband — a chilling reminder of the volatility in American public life.As fireworks lit up the sky over Washington’s Ellipse, the nation remained deeply divided. The celebrations may have honored the Army’s long-standing history, but the simultaneous protests revealed a country grappling with its future — one where unity, dissent, and democracy continue to collide in the streets.
