WASHINGTON — The Army’s latest estimate for its major parade to celebrate its 250th anniversary – which falls on President Donald Trump’s birthday – totals $40 million, including the cost of repairing streets in Washington, DC expected to be gnawed by tank treads.
Meanwhile, the Navy, which also celebrates its 250th anniversary in October, has no plans for a similar parade, according to a spokesperson. The Marine Corps, too, has its 250th in November, and does not appear to have a parade on tap either.
That leads a Democratic senator and member of the Armed Services Committee to believe that the June 14 parade featuring tanks, helicopters, warplanes and troops in period costume is as much about feeding Trump’s ego as it is celebrating the Army’s heritage.
“It is Donald Trump who is the focus of his own attention, and the Army birthday just happened to be a convenient excuse,” said Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Connecticut. “He might well celebrate all our military services together since their birthdays are imminent.
“I’m all in favor of celebrating the anniversaries of our services in a more appropriate way but without the extravagant expenditure of funds that are vital to our military.”
