(NewsNation) — President Donald Trump on Saturday attended a lavish celebration of the Army’s 250th anniversary, which coincided with his 79th birthday and Flag Day, as protests against his administration’s policies were held across the U.S.

The Republican president watched the parade from a special viewing stand near the White House, occasionally rising and saluting soldiers who passed. Because of weather conditions, the two-hour parade began 30 minutes early.

“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,” the president said in brief remarks that capped the event. “Because our soldiers never give up, never surrender and never, ever quit. They fight, fight, fight, and they win, win, win.”

The procession kicked off by telling the Army’s story, starting with the Battle of Lexington — the first battle of the Revolutionary War — and progressed all the way to present day. The event featured more than 150 armored vehicles and tanks and more than 6,000 soldiers.

The expression of American military pride comes as other parts of the globe, including the Middle East, are rocked by warfare. Trump had long wished for a public show of America’s might, but it took years for Saturday’s event to materialize.

“Every other country celebrates their victories. It’s about time America did, too,” Trump said.

Critics said Saturday’s parade was an expensive spectacle — estimated at up to $45 million — but others supported the event, and not necessarily along partisan lines.

“This parade is comprised of our sons, daughters, mothers and fathers—the very best of us. Regardless of your politics, it’s appropriate to celebrate the 250 years of sacrifice, dedication and service,” U.S. Sen. John Fetterman, D-Penn., posted on the social media platform X.

Doug Haynes, a Navy veteran who voted for Trump, attended the daylong festival to celebrate the Army’s 250th birthday, but said that the parade “was a little over the top.”

Pointing at a nearby tank, Haynes said that having them roll down the street is a “very bold statement to the world, perhaps.”

The parade wound down Constitution Avenue, lined with security fencing and barriers. A flyover of military aircraft included World War II-era planes, including a B-25 Mitchell bomber, and army helicopters flew low over the crowd, below the top of the Washington Monument. Mounted soldiers from the 1st Cavalry Division made an appearance — horses once played a crucial role in warfare, but today they’re mostly used in ceremonial events.

The Army earlier predicted as many as 200,000 would attend the parade, but weather conditions may have affected the actual turnout.

The night also was to include a concert featuring “God Bless the U.S.A.” singer Lee Greenwood and fireworks. The president swore in 250 new or reenlisting troops.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.