Flying home from his first visit to Paris as president, an awestruck Donald Trump told aides aboard Air Force One that the military parade he’d just witnessed was one of the most dazzling spectacles he’d ever seen.

The last time the United States held a national military parade was in June 1991, timed to welcome returning veterans of the 100-day Persian Gulf War.

The conflict in Los Angeles now forms the backdrop for Saturday’s military parade on Trump’s birthday and a nationwide No Kings protest.

Dozens of tanks and heavy military vehicles have made their way into the District to stage ahead of Saturday's military parade, marking the United States Army's 250th birthday, also falling on Flag Day and President Donald Trump's 79th birthday.

High above the National Mall, ABC News was granted exclusive access to a flyover where thousands are expected to gather to celebrate the Army's 250th birthday with a military style parade. Top officials from the United States Secret Service and United States Park Police told ABC News that law enforcement is prepared to secure the event in a very short period of time.

Live updates and the latest news as Elon Musk says he regrets some of his jabs at Donald Trump and Rep. Mikie Sherrill and Jack Ciattarelli win their primaries for the New Jersey governor's race.

"I don't really think the symbolism of tanks and missiles is really what we’re all about," Sen. Rand Paul said Wednesday.