Trump’s 79th Birthday Marked by Controversial Military Parade in Washington
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Donald Trump is set to celebrate his 79th birthday with a large-scale military parade in Washington. The event, scheduled for saturday evening near the White House, will feature tanks, rocket launchers, soldiers marching in formation, and a flyover of helicopters and warplanes. A team of parachutists will present the President with an American flag to conclude the event.
A Controversial Celebration
The parade has drawn criticism, with many comparing it to displays of power seen in authoritarian countries. The event has become even more contentious following the President’s deployment of the National Guard and Marines to los Angeles in response to protests against his immigration policies [[1]].
Did You Know? The U.S.Army was already planning public events to mark its 250th anniversary, wich also falls on Flag Day. President Trump ordered the event significantly expanded.
Political Divide
The parade has exposed divisions within the Republican Party. senator Rand Paul expressed his disapproval, stating that such displays are a departure from American tradition and resemble those seen in the Soviet Union and North Korea. Conversely, Senator Jim Justice defended the event, emphasizing the importance of celebrating the military.
Republican Attendance
A Politico survey of 50 Republican legislators revealed that only seven planned to attend the parade.
Protests and Absences
While major protest groups like No Kings and Women’s March are organizing demonstrations across the country, they are refraining from staging events at the parade itself. Women’s March’s executive director, Rachel O’Leary Carmona, described the parade as a manifestation of “a Trump that feels threatened” and an attempt to shore up “his fragile ego.”
Historical context
Major military parades in the U.S. have typically been held to mark the end of a war. The most recent parade, in 1991 after the Gulf war, caused damage to city streets and monuments. To prevent a recurrence, a separate $16 million budget has been allocated to repair any damage caused by Saturday’s parade.
Pro Tip: The parade will include 128 tanks, armored personnel carriers, and artillery pieces; 40 helicopters; six HIMARS rocket launchers; more than 6,000 troops; and four marching bands.
Parade Details
The parade will commence at 6:30 p.m. ET on Constitution Avenue, with President trump watching from a stand near the Ellipse.The Golden Knights, an army parachutist squad, will present him with the flag at the parade’s conclusion, followed by a fireworks display. Approximately 200,000 people are expected to attend, weather permitting.
Weather Concerns
Evening thunderstorms are forecast, which could potentially halt the parade if lightning occurs. The late start time was chosen to mitigate the impact of the 27°C heat on the marching soldiers.
Presidential Expectations
President Trump has expressed high expectations for the event, stating that it will be “better and bigger than any parade we’ve ever had in this country.” He emphasized the superiority of American military equipment and weaponry.
Key Metrics
| Item | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tanks, APCs, Artillery | 128 |
| Helicopters | 40 |
| HIMARS Rocket Launchers | 6 |
| troops | 6,000+ |
| Expected Attendees | 200,000 |
what are your thoughts on the use of military parades to celebrate national events? Do you think this is an appropriate way to honor the armed forces?
