The proper place of our military in American life is a matter for considerable debate. Our first president had served as the most prominent general in our military. We also are aware of the fact that our founders were not supportive of standing armies.
We want to honor our service members and thank them for that service. On the other hand, we must not forget that the military serves at the pleasure of elected officials.
And our current president thinks it’s time to bring back a military event that hasn’t been seen in decades.
The Washington Post is covering the story.
President Trump’s vision of soldiers marching and tanks rolling down the boulevards of Washington is moving closer to reality in the Pentagon and White House, where officials say they have begun to plan a grand military parade later this year showcasing the might of America’s armed forces.
The president’s idea for this likely got started after attending a similar parade in Paris. Or at least that event shaped his vision for such a celebration in America.
Surrounded by the military’s highest-ranking officials, including Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr., Trump’s seemingly abstract desire for a parade was suddenly heard as a presidential directive, the officials said.
“The marching orders were: I want a parade like the one in France,” said a military official who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the planning discussions are supposed to remain confidential. ‘This is being worked at the highest levels of the military.”
The anonymous officials were not the only ones to confirm the president’s orders for a military parade.
The Pentagon also confirmed the plans following The Post’s initial report.
“We are aware of the request and are in the process of determining specific details. We will share more information throughout the planning process,” Defense Department spokesman Thomas Crosson said in a statement
The president clearly wants to honor the military. This is a priority of his administration. It represents a very welcome change from his predecessor.
“President Trump is incredibly supportive of America’s great service members who risk their lives every day to keep our country safe,” Sanders said. “He has asked the Department of Defense to explore a celebration at which all Americans can show their appreciation.”
Already we can imagine the howls of protest from the liberals. They will try to equate President Trump with military dictators. But the president is no doubt way ahead of them and will see to it that does not happen.
Done correctly, this can be a time of celebration of hard-fought victories for freedom. And not just for the freedom of Americans. It also would recognize the freedom won for the citizens of other nations where Americans have fought and died.
Americans can be justly proud of our armed services. Let the parade begin!
Source: Washington Post
