US President Donald Trump's long dreamed-of military parade has rolled through the streets of downtown Washington.
It comes as demonstrators turn out in force across the country for the biggest protests since Mr Trump's return to power.
The celebration of the US Army's 250th anniversary coincided with Mr Trump's 79th birthday.
Thousands of spectators lined Constitution Avenue near the National Mall to watch the parade.
Some held signs in protest, while others were blocked by police from the parade crowds.
Mr Trump looked on from an elevated viewing stand behind bulletproof glass.
He swore-in 250 army recruits before giving a short speech, where he praised US soldiers who have served.
"We're the hottest country in the world right now," he said.
He also issued a warning to "America's enemies", before exiting the podium to chants of "USA, USA" from the gathered crowds.
"If you threaten the American people, our soldiers are coming for you," Mr Trump said.
"Your defeat will be certain. Your demise will be final, and your downfall will be total and complete."
Military aircraft fly past the Washington Monument. (Reuters: Brian Snyder)
A child waves a US flag. (Reuters: Evelyn Hockstein)
Soldiers in historical military uniforms participate in the parade. (Reuters: Carlos Barria)
Soldiers drive a tank past the Lincoln Memorial. (Reuters: Brian Snyder)
Participants in vintage uniforms participated in the parade. (Reuters: Kevin Mohatt)
'I don't see a controversy'
The president was early in his first term of office when he raised his desire to hold a military-style parade.
It's rare to see displays of military might like these in the US.
The last similar event was in 1991, when tanks and troops paraded through Washington to celebrate the end of the Gulf War
This parade traced the army's history from its founding during the Revolutionary War through to modern day.
Nearly 7,000 troops and 150 vehicles, including tanks and armoured trucks, took part.
The celebrations will cost the US Army up to $US45 million ($69 million), US officials told Reuters.
This includes the parade itself as well as the cost of moving equipment and housing and feeding the troops.
Critics have called the parade a wasteful, authoritarian display of power, particularly in light of Mr Trump's ambition to slash federal government spending.
However, Trump supporter Bryan Henrie told Reuters he did not see any problem with the parade.
"I don't see a controversy. I will celebrate safety and stability any day over anarchy," the 61-year-old said.
US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump watch the fireworks. (Reuters: Doug Mills)
Fireworks explode over the Thomas Jefferson Memorial. (Reuters: Elizabeth Frantz)
Traffic moves in front of the White House as fireworks illuminate the sky. (Reuters: Jonathan Ernst)
Thousands march in 'No Kings' protests
Earlier in the day, thousands marched in largely peaceful protests across Washington and other cities to protest Mr Trump's policies.
Anti-Trump groups planned nearly 2,000 demonstrations across the country to coincide with the parade.
Many took place under the theme "No Kings", arguing that no individual was above the law.
However, the protests planned for Minnesota were cancelled after a gunman assassinated a Democratic lawmaker and wounded another.
A man holds a sign while people gather for the military parade. (Reuters: Carlos Barria)
A demonstrator shouts during the No Kings protest at Austin, Texas. (Reuters: Joel Angel Juarez)
A Waymo vehicle burns in the middle of an intersection in LA. (AFP: David Pashaee)
Smoke fills the air as law enforcement officers in riot gear advance during protests in LA. (AFP: David Pashaee
Democratic Minnesota Governor Tim Walz claimed it was a "politically motivated assassination".
In Los Angeles, protesters faced a large contingent of Marines guarding the Edward Roybal Federal Building downtown — the site of clashes between protesters and officers earlier this week.
The crowd yelled in unison, "Shame! Shame!" and "Marines, get out of LA!"
In Manhattan, protesters carried homemade signs playing off the "No Kings" theme, including one that read "No crown for a clown".
Actors Susan Sarandon and Mark Ruffalo were among the tens of thousands of people who swarmed the New York City streets.
Mr Ruffalo wore a hat that read "immigrant".
