*President Donald Trump is finally getting the military parade he long envisioned.
The large-scale event is slated for June 14 in Washington, D.C., a date that marks both Flag Day and the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army. It also happens to be Trump’s birthday.
Although Trump insists the parade isn’t a birthday celebration, he described it as a “big, beautiful” display of patriotism. “It’s a very important day,” he told NBC’s Kristen Welker. “We’re going to celebrate it.”
This time, it appears Trump will succeed where he previously failed. In 2018, inspired by France’s Bastille Day parade, he sought to organize a similar show of American military power but scrapped the plan after shock from an estimated $92 million price tag and concerns from D.C. officials about potential street damage caused by tanks.
Now, with a smaller, but still hefty, estimated cost of $45 million, the parade is moving forward. According to defense officials, the event will include more than 6,000 military personnel, around 150 vehicles such as tanks and Humvees, and 50 aircraft.
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Trump brushed off concerns over the high cost. “Peanuts compared to the value of doing it,” he said, adding, “We have the greatest missiles in the world. We have the greatest submarines in the world. We have the greatest army tanks in the world. We have the greatest weapons in the world. And we’re going to celebrate it.”
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser has warned that if tanks are part of the spectacle, they should come with “many millions of dollars to repair the roads.”
Whether viewed as a patriotic tribute or a costly spectacle, the parade will undoubtedly showcase Trump’s long-standing desire to display American military might on a grand stage.
MORE NEWS ON EURWEB.COM: Military Parade in D.C. to Honor Trump’s Birthday and Anniversary of U.S. Army.
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