At 250th U.S. Army Anniversary, Trump Salutes ‘Fiercest Fighting Force on Earth’
At the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary parade, President Trump delivered a patriotic speech honoring soldiers' bravery and sacrifice. He praised the Army's legacy from 1775 to today, vowed continued strength, and closed with: “God bless the Army. And God bless America.”
By Kamaran Aziz
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — In a stirring and patriotic address delivered Sunday at the Grand Military Parade marking the 250th anniversary of the United States Army, President Donald J. Trump paid tribute to the bravery, sacrifice, and enduring legacy of the nation’s oldest military service.
The speech, delivered before a packed crowd in the nation's capital and broadcast globally, celebrated the Army’s historic achievements while projecting a bold vision of American strength and resolve.
"Thank you to the greatest, fiercest, and bravest fighting force ever to stride the face of this earth — the United States Army," Trump declared, opening his speech with high praise for the men and women in uniform.
"The Army Keeps Us Free"
Trump emphasized the role of the Army in preserving American liberty and projecting strength across the world. “Because the Army keeps us free, you make us strong, and tonight you have made all Americans very proud,” he said, as military formations paraded behind him and jets soared overhead.
“Every other country celebrates their victories. It's about time America did too,” he added, positioning the evening as a moment not just of remembrance but of national pride and military excellence.
Honoring the Fallen and the Living
Turning solemn, Trump paid tribute to the hundreds of thousands of Army soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice, noting their contribution in wars from the Revolutionary era to the modern War on Terror.
He extended his gratitude to Gold Star families present in the audience, saying, “The courage of your heroes is the bedrock on which our entire nation stands.”
With six Congressional Medal of Honor recipients in attendance, Trump declared, “We love you, we honor you, and we salute your noble service to our flag and to our country.”
"Victory or Death": A Legacy of Valor
Marking the Army’s official founding on June 14, 1775, Trump recalled the ragtag force of the American Revolution who, under General George Washington, were bound by a creed of “Victory or Death.”
He praised generations of soldiers who “charged up mountains, stormed beaches, waded through torrents of gunfire,” and helped forge the United States into a global power.
“The US Army has driven bayonets into the heart of sinister empires, crushed the ambitions of evil tyrants... and sent the devil himself flying into full retreat,” Trump said in one of his more dramatic moments.
American Heroes Immortalized
Interweaving vivid historical anecdotes, Trump spotlighted legendary figures such as:
- "Mad Anthony" Wayne, who led a midnight assault with unloaded muskets and bayonets.
- General John Corse, wounded in battle during the Civil War, who U.S. President quoted him as famously saying, “I am short a cheekbone and one ear, but I am able to whip the hell out of all of them.”
- General Creighton Abrams, who at the Battle of the Bulge laughed at being surrounded by Nazis, saying, “They’ve got us surrounded again, the poor bastards.”
“These are not just stories — they are the essence of our national character,” Trump said.
A Litany of Battlefields
Listing historic sites from Bunker Hill to Fallujah, Trump underscored the Army’s relentless presence wherever duty called.
“From Gettysburg to Guadalcanal, from Yorktown to Shiloh... our soldiers have poured out their blood by the bucketful,” he said. “Thanks to their extraordinary service and devotion, 250 years later, America stands tall, America stands proud, and America stands free.”
Closing with a Vow and a Blessing
Capping the nearly 10-minute address, Trump made an impassioned promise: “Whenever duty calls and whatever danger comes, the American soldier will be there.”
“No matter the risk, no matter the obstacles, our warriors will charge into battle. They will plunge into the crucible of fire, and they will seize the crown of victory,” he declared, adding, “The United States of America will always have the grace of Almighty God and the iron will of the United States Army.”
Trump concluded by saying:
“Thank you. God bless you. God bless the Army. And God bless America.”
