A grand military parade has rolled though the streets of Washington D.C..
Tanks, armored personnel carriers and artillery rumbled down the parade route along Constitution Avenue, an unusual sight in the United States where such displays of military might are rare.
US President Donald Trump requested the lavish parade to celebrate the army’s 250th anniversary.
“Every other country celebrates their victories, it’s about time America did too,” Trump told the crowd following the parade.
The military says the parade will cost between $25 million (€21.6 million) and $45 million.
Trump also said the US is “hottest country in the world” and boasted of the strength of its military.
“America’s enemies have learned that if you threaten the American people, our soldiers are coming for you,” he said.
The parade saw some 6,600 troops come to Washington, along with 150 vehicles, including tanks, personnel carriers and howitzers. Helicopters, including Apache and Black Hawks, also flew over the parade.
Thousands of spectators lined up along the route.
Trump, whose 79th birthday also fell on the parade date, watched the proceedings from an elevated viewing stand behind bulletproof glass.
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