WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Saturday, President Donald Trump is throwing a military parade to celebrate the Army’s 250th anniversary. Experts believe it could cost up to 45-million dollars for the parade. While some said it’s a chance to show off the world’s strongest forces, others question the image this parade will send.
Visitors can expect to see tanks, thousands of marching soldiers and flyovers as part of the parade. The day also happens to fall on President Trump’s 79th birthday as well as Flag Day.
Since his first term, the President has wanted a military parade but critics on both sides of the aisle question the cost and imagery the parade sends. Some Democrats have even called it a “vanity project” for the President.
“It’s important that we recognize and celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States Army,” said Sen. Chris Coons (D- DE). “Many of my family members served in the army. It is a critical and proud branch of the US armed forces, but it doesn’t require this big and expensive of a display.”
“The United States of America is the most powerful country in human history,” said Sen. John Kennedy (R- LA). “We’re a lion and a lion doesn’t have to tell you it’s a lion.”
“I’ve never been a big fan of goosestepping soldiers and big tanks rolling down our streets,” said Sen. Rand Paul (R- KY). “If you ask me, I wouldn’t have done it.”
Others said the parade celebrates our military and can be used for recruitment.
“I don’t think there’s a greater boost we spend on America’s morale when they see their men and women in uniform being the subject of a national parade,” said Rep. Mike Kelly (R- PA). “It’s absolutely off the charts. It’s incredibly important. Parades are big for the American people. They showcase who we are as a country not just our strength but just how generous we are with the rest of the world.”
“This parade appropriately on Flag Day,” said Rep. Jack Bergman (R- MI). “It is not just an opportunity for the army to show its stuff and show it for the young men and women and influences for their son or daughter, niece or nephew or student or whatever, considers spending time in the army.”
We also spoke off camera with a couple of active duty army service members about the parade. Many of them believe we should honor the anniversary, but feel a military parade misses that opportunity. Here is what one shared with us:
“As a born Washingtonian and a nearly 18-year active-duty Army veteran, I think it’s entirely appropriate to mark the 250th birthday of our great United States Army. I especially enjoy seeing the trio of American, Army, and Washington flags lining the Arlington Memorial Bridge right now—though I’m sure my sister services would disagree, I think they should stay up permanently!
That said, I believe it’s absolutely possible to honor this milestone with appreciation and reverence without spending $25-45 million and assembling a critical mass of our war machines in the nation’s capital. A more meaningful way to show appreciation for troops would be to provide safe, clean, modern housing. Unfortunately, the funds originally designated for barracks upgrades and quality-of-life improvements were instead diverted to border operations.
I also believe troops shouldn’t be used as political pawns. We swear an oath to the Constitution, and we train to be a professional Army—for the people to our left and right, and for our fellow Americans. I’m concerned about the cognitive dissonance the public might experience watching us deployed in response to what are widely reported as peaceful protests—while, at the same time, watching a military parade in our nation’s capital that feels more symbolic of authoritarianism than democracy.
I’m incredibly proud to have served the American people for as long as I have, and 250 years is certainly a momentous occasion. I just think this particular celebration—its scale, tone, and timing—feels misaligned and a little too performative to be truly meaningful.”