Thousands of demonstrators crowded into streets, parks, and plazas across the US, blaring anti-authoritarian chants mixed with support for protecting democracy and immigrant rights.

The grand military parade that President Donald Trump had been wanting for years barreled down Constitution Avenue on Saturday with tanks, troops and a 21-gun salute.

The parade will take place on the border of the National Mall, home to landmark museums, memorials and the U.S. Capitol. The route begins near the Lincoln Memorial and ends close to the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

With each U.S. military era given their own special focus in the America 250 parade, Vietnam veterans received a tribute many were never offered during their own homecoming.

The massive military parade commemorating the 250th birthday of the U.S. Army, which coincides with President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday, was staged on Saturday in Washington, D.C.