During his speech at the capital military parade, U.S. Vice President JD Vance took a moment to wish his wife a “happy anniversary.”
The vice president, who is 40 years old, and his wife, 39-year-old second lady, celebrated their 9th wedding anniversary on June 14, 2023. The couple tied the knot in an interfaith ceremony in Kentucky shortly after graduating from Yale Law School in 2014.
Vance’s remarks came shortly after President Trump delivered a brief speech before a country music concert. During the event, Trump made a peculiar comment to the troops, which raised eyebrows.
The parade itself began 30 minutes earlier than scheduled due to inclement weather in the area, which forced some adjustments to the day’s planned events.
Changes to Parade Plans Due to Weather
Several of the planned activities, including an airdrop by the Army Golden Knights Parachutists, had to be revised due to the rain. However, the event still proceeded with 6,169 soldiers parading through the streets, accompanied by 128 tanks, armored personnel carriers, and artillery, and 62 aircraft flying overhead.
The parade coincided with President Trump’s 79th birthday, and it is estimated to have cost between $25-$45 million.
The U.S. Army projected that up to 200,000 people would attend the event, which featured a variety of activities such as fitness challenges, live demonstrations, equipment exhibitions, musical performances, and a cake-cutting ceremony.
Protests Across the Country
Meanwhile, over 2,000 counterprotests were held across the country throughout the day, as many Americans voiced opposition to the event and its associated costs. The protests, while largely peaceful, underscored the divided reactions to the celebrations surrounding the military parade.