The commander-in-chief initially barred black soldiers from joining the ranks, but he came to understand the value—both moral and strategic—of a diverse force.

Saturday’s military parade, held on President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday, featured fireworks, tanks and military flyovers.

A reported 5 million people turned out in US cities to protest on June 14, as major firms, including Coinbase, sponsored a US Army 250th anniversary celebration in Washington, DC.

On June 14, 1775, the Continental Congress voted to replace the colonies' part-time militias with a full-time army – and after 1,300 battles and skirmishes, the Army, led by Gen. George Washington, defeated the British Empire,

WASHINGTON (AP) — There were funnel cakes, stands of festival bling and American flags aplenty. There were mighty machines of war, brought out to dazzle and impress. And there was the spray of tear gas against demonstrators in Los Angeles and Atlanta, and rolling waves of anti-Trump resistance coast to coast.

There is a significant chance of rain across the Washington, D.C., area on Saturday, the National Weather Service said, and thunderstorms late in the afternoon or evening could coincide with events near the National Mall to mark the U.S. Army’s 250th birthday.

The Army plans an elaborate display of armor, artillery and aircraft for its 250th anniversary parade June 14.

Protests are planned in hundreds of communities across the country on Saturday, June 14.Called "No Kings Day," the rallies are being held to oppose what organizers see as Trump's power grab and focus on participants' patriotism and support for the U.S. Constitution. American flags are expected to be front and center.