Saturday's military parade in Washington, celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Army, is drawing mixed reactions from visitors. (Scripps News)

The nation’s capital on Saturday was overtaken by the sight of tanks rolling down the street and Army helicopters buzzing in the sky for a military parade to mark the 250th anniversary of the U.S.

The parade marks the 250th anniversary of when the Continental Congress voted to create the Continental Army. It also happens to coincide with President Donald Trump's birthday.

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.

Washington, D.C. will host a spectacular military parade marking the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary. While thousands of soldiers and military vehicles will showcase their strength, political tensions and planned protests cast a shadow over the celebratory event.

In a sharp twist to a controversy stirring both sides of the globe, the White House has denied that Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir was invited to the grand US military parade in Washington - a clarification that came just in time to calm a growing diplomatic storm.

The official focus of the parade was the commemoration of the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary. But critics say the president is using the military show of force to push a political agenda.

Saturday's military parade in Washington, celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Army, could cost as much as $45 million.