NORFOLK, Va. (AP) — This Saturday, a significant military parade is set to take place in Washington, D.C., honoring the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary while coincidentally aligning with President Donald Trump’s birthday. James McDonough, a 27-year Army veteran who fought in Vietnam and provided humanitarian assistance in Rwanda, believes that the parade symbolizes the resilience of a vital institution and the nation it serves. “The soldiers marching that day represent all of that history,” McDonough, 78, from Crofton, Maryland, stated. “They don’t represent a single day or a single person. It’s the American Army still standing straight, walking tall, ready to defend our country.”
Contrastingly, Christopher Purdy, an Army veteran who served in Iraq, criticized the parade as a facade that obscures some of the Republican president’s policies that have negatively impacted military veterans and current service members. He highlighted issues such as cuts at the Department of Veterans Affairs and a ban on transgender troops. “The parade, long desired by Trump, will needlessly display U.S. military might on the president’s 79th birthday,” said Purdy, 40, from Atlanta. “It’s embarrassing, expensive, and whatever his reasons are for doing it, I think it’s entirely unnecessary.”
Initially, the Army's birthday celebration was not slated to include a large parade; however, under the Trump administration, plans changed to incorporate a display featuring hundreds of military vehicles, aircraft, and thousands of soldiers. This decision has polarized veterans. Some liken the parade to the military displays seen in North Korea, viewing it as a step towards authoritarianism or a bizarre birthday party for Trump. Others perceive it as a unique opportunity to celebrate the Army's achievements and recognize the service of millions of soldiers throughout history. They argue that the parade is not just about Trump, but about giving the public a glimpse of the faces of soldiers, especially in a time when so few Americans serve.
The Army estimates that up to 200,000 people could attend the parade, which is projected to cost between $25 million and $45 million. Trump remarked at Fort Bragg this week that Saturday would be “a big day,” emphasizing the need to showcase the nation’s military accomplishments. “We want to celebrate our greatness and our achievements,” Trump stated. “This week, we honor 250 years of valor, glory, and triumph by the greatest fighting force ever to walk the face of the Earth: the United States Army.”
Veterans like Edmundo Eugenio Martinez Jr., who served in Iraq, view the parade as a missed opportunity to honor generations of veterans who returned home with little recognition. “Sadly, the timing and the optics and divisive politics have ruined it,” said Martinez, 48, from Katy, Texas. “And I’m not picking one side or the other. Both sides are guilty.”
On the other hand, Joe Kmiech, an Army and Minnesota National Guard veteran, supports the parade, recognizing the Army as an integral part of American culture. “The Army has made pioneering contributions to engineering and medicine,” said Kmiech, 54, from Roberts, Wisconsin. He emphasized that the parade should be viewed as a celebration of the Army rather than a political event.
Paul Sullivan, a Gulf War Army veteran, believes that the parade is closely tied to Trump's desire for personal recognition. “This Trump tank travesty is all about stroking Trump’s ego,” said Sullivan, 62, living near Charlottesville, Virginia. He advocates for using the funds for bettering the lives of veterans instead of showcasing military might. “If Trump truly cared about our service members, he would sit down with them quietly and ask, ‘What can we do with $50 million or $100 million to make your lives better?’”
McDonough disagrees with the notion that the parade is overly costly or centered around Trump. He recalls the grand celebration held in New York after World War II, despite the nation being in significant debt. “We certainly need to bring our debt down, and we certainly need to take care of our veterans,” he remarked. “But it’s a false dichotomy.” He reiterated that soldiers owe their allegiance to the Constitution, not to any single individual.
Many veterans express concern regarding the implications of such a display of military strength. Purdy argues that celebrating military might without a recent victory feels inconsistent with American tradition. “It signals a real dark turn if we’re just going to roll out the tanks,” he stated, pointing out the risks associated with neglecting old alliances and foreign aid that have historically maintained peace.
Michael Nardotti, an Army veteran who served in Vietnam, believes that showcasing military hardware in parades can aid recruitment efforts. He emphasizes the importance of public recognition, stating, “‘People are the Army.’” He hopes that Trump’s address during the parade will convey a positive and unifying message to the nation.
