DONALD Trump hailed the historic US military parade in Washington DC as elsewhere in the country protests descended into violent clashes.
Trump posted “what a GREAT parade” on his Truth Social page after a day of stark contrasts across the US – as thousands also took part in “No Kings” marches against the president’s adminstration.
AFPPresident Donald Trump and First Lady Melania listen to the national anthem at the military parade[/caption]
ReutersSoldiers and an army band march at the historic parade[/caption]
ReutersPolice used tear gas on anti-Trump protesters[/caption]
AFPArmoured vehicles drive across the Lincoln Memorial Bridge during the Army 250th Anniversary Parade[/caption]
People protest in downtown Los Angeles ahead of President Trump’s military paradeShutterstock Editorial
Washington DC welcomed a full-throated celebration of the US Army & American history with fireworks and the incredible scenes of troops and tanks rumbling through the streets.
Trump addressed the military and gathered crowds in Washington – and warned those who threaten the US amid the looming threat of new war in the Middle East sparked by Israe and Iran.
He said: “Time and again America’s enemies have learned that if you threaten the American people, our soldiers are coming for you.
“Your defeat will be certain. Your demise will be final, and your downfall will be total and complete.
“Because our soldiers never give up. Never surrender and never, ever quit. They fight, fight, fight. And they win, win, win.”
While elsewhere large protests gathered in many cities – with organisers saying 60,000 turned out in LA and another 75,000 showed up in New York.
Peaceful marches were marred once again by violent scenes.
Cops used tear gas and flash bangs during chaotic scenes in downtown LA & a curfew was brought into effect in a city still reeling from last weekend’s of anti-ICE raid riots.
LA police siad they used batons to disperse the crowd after people began hurling “rocks, bricks, bottles and fireworks” at them.
And meanwhile there was a shooting during a 10,000 strong protest in Salt Lake City, with police saying it was “possibly associated” with the march.
Northern Virginia also saw an SUV driven into a crowd of protesters hitting at least one person.
And in Minnesota many rallies were cancelled after the fatal shooting of a state lawmaker and the wounding of another by an on-the-run gunman who had “No Kings” fliers in his car.
Meanwhile, patriotic tunes filled the air in Washington DC as Trump turned 79, with his grand military spectacle commemorating the US Army’s 250th anniversary.
The grandiose military parade showcased soldiers, sailors, airmen and US Marines with them all marching in their uniforms in front of thousands of excited spectators.
As many as 7,000 troops and seven band contingents participated in the show.
They were accompanied by at least 150 military vehicles and some 50 aircraft.
Some 2,000 civilians also marched alongside the US military.
The Army said as many as 200,000 people were in attendance at the festival and parade.
For years, the president is said to have had his eyes on a full-blown military show, but has failed to put up a working plan – until now.
Plans were to roll out battle tanks, massive military equipment, and aircraft and missiles, just as Trump first envisioned the parade during his first term.
Among the military equipment flaunted was M1A1 Abrams tanks, Bradley Fighting Vehicles, World War II Sherman tanks and four WWII-era P-51 aircraft.
The whole celebration was enclosed with an 18-mile ring of steel to protect the parade.
Trump said: “Thanks to their extraordinary service and devotion, 250 years later, America stands tall.”
“America stands proud, and America stands free. We’re the hottest country in the world right now.
“And our country will soon be greater and stronger than ever before.”
Scroll down to read through our day’s coverage on the parade with The Sun’s live blog below…
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