Fox News Digital spoke to attendees of the D.C. military parade, some who had traveled hundreds of miles to participate, about why they had come to the nation’s capital for the event.

Thousands turned out to enjoy festivities and a sprawling military parade in Washington, D.C., even as dismal weather forecasts and nationwide anti-Trump “No Kings” protests threatened to dampen the Army’s 250th birthday celebration.

The parade, which was put on to celebrate the Army’s 250th anniversary and Trump’s 79th birthday, was reported to cost up to $45 million and drew thinner crowds than anticipated, as simultaneous “No Kings” protests took place in all 50 states.