NOTE: This piece was first published on FLGulfNews.com.
By Richard Luthmann
THE SALUTE BEGINS AT FORT BRAGG
President Donald J. Trump will stand on the field at Fort Bragg this week and do what few leaders ever do: he fulfilled a bold promise. He told Americans we’d be proud of our country again—and he meant it.
Two years ago, President Trump vowed that the 250th Anniversary of America’s founding would be “the most spectacular birthday party of all time.” He launched the “Salute to America 250” plan and promised a full year of celebration starting Memorial Day 2025 through July 4, 2026.
President Trump is delivering.
The kickoff begins in earnest on Tuesday in North Carolina, as President Trump will observe a full-scale combat readiness demonstration at Fort Bragg. The visit marks another milestone in the official proceedings of the Army’s 250th birthday week.
“These soldiers are the best in the world,” President Trump said. “We’re going to honor them, and we’re going to honor the country they serve.”
President Trump’s Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stands by his side.
“This is only the beginning,” Secretary Hegseth said. “The President has made a commitment to the men and women who wear the uniform. And he’s kept it.”
America is back, and Americans are proud.
“He’s showing America that we’re back,” said Bruce Sykes, Cumberland County, NC, GOP chair. “And it starts right here—at the home of the Airborne.”
THE PARADE OF STRENGTH HEADS TO DC
This Saturday, the real fireworks begin.
Washington, D.C., will host the largest military parade in decades. A 1,300-mile caravan of tanks and fighting vehicles rolled into the capital this week.
Soldiers from Fort Bragg and other bases will join 6,600 troops and 50 aircraft in a full-scale salute to American greatness.
“The Army’s 250th birthday is a once-in-a-lifetime event,” said Col. Kamil Sztalkoper of III Armored Corps. “And President Trump is making it unforgettable.”
The parade will march along the National Mall, past President Trump’s reviewing stand on Constitution Avenue.
A concert on the Ellipse will follow, capped by a massive fireworks display.
President Trump dismissed critics of the $40 million price tag.
“Peanuts,” President Trump said. “You’re talking about the greatest military in the history of the world.”
The Commander in Chief is not wrong. M1 Abrams tanks, Bradley vehicles, Strykers, and Paladin howitzers will thunder past the Lincoln Memorial.
And yes, WOKE ideology will be nowhere in sight.
President Trump already made it clear: “Wokeness is dead in our military. We don’t need activists. We need warriors.”
RECRUITMENT SURGES UNDER TRUMP’S WATCH
America’s youth are answering the call again.
This month, the U.S. Army hit its recruitment goal four months ahead of schedule—61,000 active-duty enlistments, a 10% jump from last year.
The Pentagon attributes the surge to President Trump and Secretary Hegseth’s leadership.
“Bottom line: America’s youth want to serve under bold and strong America First leadership,” Secretary Hegseth posted.
Army Secretary Dan Driscoll confirmed it.
“There’s a renewed sense of patriotism and purpose,” he said. “These young Americans want to be part of the world’s most lethal land fighting force.”
President Trump says it’s just common sense.
“When you put competence over woke garbage, people want to serve,” he said. “They want to fight for something that matters.”
Vice President JD Vance said plainly: “President Trump turned it around. No more recruitment crisis. No more excuses. Just results.”
A YEARLONG CELEBRATION OF AMERICAN GREATNESS
This is just the opening act. President Trump’s full plan for America’s 250th Anniversary is a roadmap to national revival.
He promised to build a task force to coordinate a year of celebrations. The President created “Salute to America 250.”
He said we’d have the “Great American State Fair” to honor every state, host national high school “Patriot Games,” and revive the National Garden of American Heroes.
He pledged to invite nations from around the world to celebrate with us, and President Trump is keeping that promise, too.
“I said we would be proud of America again,” President Trump told the crowd at the West Point commencement. “And look around. Aren’t you proud?”
The events continue through July 4, 2026. From parades to pavilions, reenlistments to fireworks, America will remember what made her great—and look forward to the next 250 years.
“We are one nation under God,” President Trump said. “And we’re just getting started.”
The New American Golden Age is here. And President Donald J. Trump is leading the parade.
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