VetSpective: To Renew Our Nation — More Military Parades, Not Fewer

2018-03-13T10:19:17-04:00

Mark me down. I am in favor of more military parades — not fewer.

Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m not the biggest fan of participating in military parades. As a West Point graduate and former military officer, I’ve been in my fair share of parades and ceremonies. So, to my brethren who would theoretically have to bear the burden of the perspective I am advancing, I apologize.

However, this is not theoretical. President Trump recently directed the Department of Defense to conduct a parade, which will occur in Washington DC on November 11th, 2018 — Veterans Day.

Many have criticized this idea, arguing that military parades reflect the proclivities of a dictator and the trappings of an authoritarian nation. But this analysis fails to contemplate one crucial difference: What our military is dedicated to protecting — the “self-evident,” democratic ideals of equality, freedom, and liberty that are the very essence of our nation.

And no American leader has expressed this essential insight better than President Abraham Lincoln.

On November 19th, 1863, President Lincoln gave a speech that we now know today as the Gettysburg Address. Lincoln’s oratory on that day — only 273 words in length — was delivered at the dedication of the Gettysburg Cemetery of Pennsylvania — not more than four months after one of the bloodiest and most decisive battles of the Civil War in which 23,000 Union and 28,000 Confederate gave their last full measure. A speech that also asserted a radical concept for the time: the Declaration of Independence — not the Constitution — was the Founders’ true expression of their intent and vision for the new nation.

“Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal. Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure.”

On the blood-soaked battlefield of Gettysburg, Lincoln argued that it was up to the living to re-dedicate themselves to essence of our nation’s founding:

“The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us-that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion-that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain…”

And, certainly, we can achieve much of this through remembrances at our military cemeteries — these heroic monuments of honor, dedication, and selfless service to our nation.

But, as Lincoln admonished us, it is up to us — the living — to actively carry forward the ideals of those who gave their last full measure of devotion in the noble pursuit of protecting the idea that which is our nation.

Military parades can be these living monuments.

From the streamers on the service flags — a testament to the democratic origins of our nation as well as our nation’s commitment to the cause of freedom in such far-flung places as: Lexington to Ticonderoga, Antietam to Appomattox, Somme to Meuse-Argonne, Guadalcanal to Normandy, Kuwait to Kosovo, Afghanistan to Iraq.

To the uniforms — both a reminder of the American people who the military serves as well as a homage to those who came before us.

These can help renew a nation.

The military and our nation’s history can serve as a touchstone for where we have been and can help rededicate ourselves to the essential spirit of our nation’s founding, connect us to those who came before, and serve as our azimuth in turbulent times — just as it was for Lincoln.

I believe military parades can do this and perhaps one more thing we desperately need in our time — reflected in Lincoln’s hope for the future at the end of his meditation at Gettysburg:

“…that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom-and that government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the earth.”

Let us — the living — not only contemplate Lincoln’s profound words within the context of his time. But let us also actively pursue them in our time.

We must reconnect to our nation’s ideals; we must rededicate ourselves to the essential purpose of our democratic experiment; and we must renew our nation through an institution that was uniquely interwoven into the origins of our nation and has protected our great democratic experiment throughout:

Our military and its Veterans.

Let’s have more military parades.

Alex Gallo is the author of VetSpective and a Veteran.

Response by Capt Tom Brown made Mar 13 at 2018 10:22 AM

2018-03-13T10:22:25-04:00

Absolutely! Well said!

Response by MSgt Stephen Council made Mar 13 at 2018 10:35 AM

2018-03-13T10:35:52-04:00

Agreed

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Mar 13 at 2018 10:50 AM

2018-03-13T10:50:48-04:00

I agree, these days it seems only the immediate family visits our graves, when I was a child- entire families would visit and re-live the history of their veteran orally to all the generations. We are a minority, unseen, untalked about, seemingly ignored unless we make the news for 2 minutes. Even troops who die in service, get little if any mention except in the local paper. Holidays are now just a time to get away- have fun, 3 days off, with no thought of those who served or died to insure this holiday would happen. Our schools have planted the idea that life is about what I want- not helping others, not serving a high cause than money. If we continue to slink around ashamed then there is nothing to nay say this idea. But marching in public, standing tall- we are saying Look, here we are your defenders, people like you who have gone 1 step further, putting our lives behind to protect yours. We are strong, healthy and work hard, while you are unfit to be one of us- but you could be if you ever tried to strive to rise up.

Response by LT Brad McInnis made Mar 13 at 2018 11:02 AM

2018-03-13T11:02:32-04:00

I absolutely hated drill and parades at USNA. Family and friends loved it.... they never understood why I hated it. Then, I went to a few parades as a spectator, and I realized the difference. There is a pageantry and spectacle to parades that stirs people. I saw the wide eyed wonder in the eyes of children, and then it hit me, that there is a duty to do these things. Much like small town parades. If, in this time of not enough young Americans enlisting, then parades may be a good idea. Really liked your Lincoln tie in, never really thought about that before...

Response by LTC John Shaw made Mar 13 at 2018 11:33 AM

2018-03-13T11:33:08-04:00

CPT Alex Gallo We need a resurgence of civil pride and support for those activities that make America unique. I agree with the article. I don't want to see a military parade like the Russia or Chinese 'Red Square'. More like or or two formal & many informal parades to rebuild the connection between our people and our military.
Great article Alex!

Response by SrA Herbert Tinsley made Mar 13 at 2018 12:38 PM

2018-03-13T12:38:48-04:00

Interesting and well-argued point, Alex. I absolutely agree that a certain outward display of enthusiasm, awe, and pride in our military and the ideals it has been designed to protect and ensure is completely healthy. Better than healthy, if could be healing. However, I fear that many of the outward displays have been challenged, appear bankrupted, or are otherwise diminished because the inner life of our nation is in many points unaligned. For that reason, we've come to a point where honoring democratic and republican values, and the enlightenment truths they stem from, is like church attendance. People may do it for its outward significances or they may reject it because it appears to consist only of outward significances. If you attend church but you don't believe in what church means inwardly, then there's little chance that church will have much benefit in your life. Military parades are great for those who truly respect the realities of civilization and of the virtues of democracy and republicanism. If only we could find ways of reestablishing the central dogmas, so that the outward shows could do their ritualistic work.

Response by SSG Jessica Bautista made Mar 13 at 2018 12:53 PM

2018-03-13T12:53:41-04:00

It speaks to the moral bankruptcy of our leaders when the programs that protect the most vulnerable in our country are gleefully defunded in the name of corporate tax cuts while simultaneously raining money on a grandiose display to pander to a small demographic that is frequently used as a political shield. This same group averages, what, 22 suicides a day? How many of this demographic are homeless? Prior to this year, we already had parades. Were these parades lacking? Everywhere you go, more often than not, people seem to feel almost obligated to thank you for your service. How much more pageantry do you need?

Response by SSgt Gary Andrews made Mar 13 at 2018 1:49 PM

2018-03-13T13:49:41-04:00

I guess it's easy for those that don't have to spend days and days preparing for a major parade, and don't have to give up their holiday to march in one, to say "Let's have a parade". I'd like to hear from those that would be called upon to participate.......how do they feel about it?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2018 1:55 PM

2018-03-13T13:55:13-04:00

There are already local parades on Veterans Day or 4th of July. There is no need for a national level one when the only reason he wants this parade is to stroke his own ego. That is it.

We have had parades similar - after at least WWII (I think I read after WWI), both of Eisenhower's inaugurations, JFK's inauguration and end of Gulf War. However I can see how those can be justified. WWI and WWII major wars ending. Eisenhower - well it was Eisenhower. JFK - during Cold War. Then end of Gulf War.

Why do we need to showcase our "military might?" We already do that by being stationed literally all over the world. What more do we as a nation need to prove?

I don't like that the money spent on this could feed every homeless veteran. It's $30 million that could be better spent anywhere else but this parade. If we had just won some major war - okay then. Otherwise all this appears to be is something to assuage someone's ego.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2018 3:27 PM

2018-03-13T15:27:51-04:00

CPT Alex Gallo When I go to the local Veteran's Day Parade each year, I see fire trucks, veterans on motorcycles and old cars, a lot of boy scout and girl scout troops, but very few military bands or military units. I would love to see more military units represented in our parades.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2018 3:51 PM

2018-03-13T15:51:43-04:00

Alex-I'm going to lay out "pros" and "cons"...folks will take them as they will.

I think there's two parts to the sincere rejection of this idea from within our own ranks. First, and possibly most importantly, there's a sense that civilians need to see the "grit" more than the polish. That if they have to confront the reality of multiple deployments, dwindling career prospects, a miasma of issues post-transition...perhaps they'll appreciate and venerate us more than if given the "ra-ra-ree" once again. Second, and perhaps less "noble", is the sense that in terms of cost, time and trouble...such spectacles probably offer senior people a chance to "shine", while the rank-and-file get to lose a weekend ('cause it will likely be one), pull long hours preparing, and end the day exhausted before returning to circumstances no different than before.

However, there's a point to be made that this is all "part of the deal". If there really is a direct benefit in terms of renewing Americans' pride in their military...more worthy voices than my own might say, "suck it up".

But that's not the real question here, it it? It's not that active duty Sailors, Soldiers, Airmen and Marines aren't willing and able to strut their stuff when the President asks, or that "most" people really believe this is a dictatorial overture. It's asking whether or not the CIC's intentions, as good as they may be (and likely are), will accomplish something worthy of the effort, or merely punctuate a sense of empty ceremony, hollow promise, and endless ambiguity.

To my mind, parades are to commemorate victory.

After the sacrifice, loss and suffering, it's a time to show that we're still standing tall. Perhaps it isn't too much for some to ask that we define a clear objective in the Middle East, Central Asia and Africa...even if it is something akin to a necessary "permanent over-watch". Maybe it's reasonable to ask that we find something-anything, we can come together upon as Americans...more than just "Left" and "Right".

If I could break out the SDBs, shine my shoes, and pass in review with our Navy...I'd do it in a heart beat. However, it would feel somehow "less" so long as society continues to quibble about just what I, those before me, and those following me fought and will continue to fight for. I want to see Americans come together; not just her warriors. Before we celebrate our noble heritage...I'd like to see our leaders and citizens agree that is indeed worth celebrating. If we ever see a time once more when regardless of all that threatens to divide us...we can unite under common ideas, and a common banner, then such an event would be a good way to honor it.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Mar 13 at 2018 8:29 PM

2018-03-13T20:29:45-04:00

How do parades make it better? Sorry agree to disagree.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2018 8:59 PM

2018-03-13T20:59:42-04:00

I get why people don’t want to. I do understand.
American version of Bastille Day...hmm, intriguing.
MOST (I think) importantly... look at the day. Nov 11, 2018...this Veterans Day is the 100th Anniversary of the Armistice that ended the Great War.

Maybe we’re not as sentimental as the Brits and Commonwealth, the French, the Dutch, who still wear poppies of Flanders Field and give impassive, introspective silence to remember when it was finally quiet on the Western Front. Maybe I’m just a history teacher. Maybe to Americans WWI isn’t as important as WWII. But to remember their sacrifice, sure, I’ll march.

“At 11am on the 11th of November, the guns fell silent upon German surrender.
All in all, a tragic loss; Europe secured, but at what cost? A generation lost.
We are forever in debt; 100 years hence....lest we forget.”

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Nj43X-VBEPE
History Bomb of World War One

I show my social studies classes this every year.

History of World War 1 (in One Take) | History Bombs

History of World War 1 (in One Take) by History Bombs Part of our Teachers' Resources available on our website https://www.historybombs.com/ Subscribe to our...

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Mar 14 at 2018 12:46 AM

2018-03-14T00:46:29-04:00

CPT Alex Gallo Beautiful!

A touching reprise of the Gettysburg Address!

Thank you.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Mar 14 at 2018 12:53 AM

2018-03-14T00:53:52-04:00

CPT Alex Gallo Does not anyone appreciate our POTUS’s striving to rebuild -resurrect America’s values? I DO!

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 14 at 2018 1:21 AM

2018-03-14T01:21:55-04:00

I am absolutely for having appropriate national and military pride. The regressive liberal depmocrat and ALT LEFT disrespect for the Nation, It’s Antham, Its Flag and Military serves no one but our enemies intersts. That being said, the cost benefit analysis must be done. When many Veterans remain homeless, inner city schools in ruins, families jobless and impoverished, those should be our main priority for what is a Nation but the symbol of the United people. Obviously al those problems will never be completely solved and a parade doesn’t need to take place only after America is a utopia. It is a good time to stop the wave of national disrespect and American Politically correct self loathing. We can be good world citizens, have secure borders and be a people proud of American culture and achievements. We just need to guard against despot ruler saber rattling like you would see from North Korea, China, Iran or Russia. The motivation should be to honor the construbutions that the military makes to America which is nothing less that keeping us free

Response by PO2 Rev. Frederick C. Mullis, AFI, CFM made Mar 14 at 2018 3:27 PM

2018-03-14T15:27:51-04:00

Every year I participate in the Veteran's Day parades and Memorial Day parades, I also represent my Legion Post at Christmas Parades too. At lease 9 a year, They forgot me when I came home from Vietnam, but I will not let them forget my Brothers and Sisters of the Past, Present and Future. One on Pennsylvania Ave would be quite fitting.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Mar 15 at 2018 1:56 AM

2018-03-15T01:56:16-04:00

CPT Alex Gallo MASH’s Colonel Blake did not like parades either. “The only thing GI about me is my athlete’s foot”.

Response by CPL Ricky Vasquez made Mar 15 at 2018 2:25 AM

2018-03-15T02:25:03-04:00

Total waste of tax payer money on somthing so useless. The Donald just want this so he can feel good about him self.

Response by MSG Louis Alexander made Mar 15 at 2018 2:45 AM

2018-03-15T02:45:17-04:00

Youngsters these days do feel pride. They mimic what they see. If they witness patriotism in their small towns you can bet they’ll be inspired to indulge in such pride. I recall I had stopped over in a little quaint township in upper Pennsylvania in uniform during the fourth of July…and while standing there watching WWI, WWII, Korean and Vietnam Vet’s march by… I had this little fellow of about 7 yrs old sitting on an elevated tier next to me gazing at the right side my chest as if he’d drilled a hole through me. As we watched the parade he would often lean forward as if looking closer at the French Parachutist wings I had, guessed he was amazed at it size and glister. The Mother would smile and apologize and attempt to wedge herself between her son and I, but like a true inquisitor, he continued. After the troops had passed she apologized only to have him ask me “You don’t have to march with them hero’s mister”? Naturally his mother grabbed him and his Father leaned in and said he was sorry. I told the father that’s was alright and I walked over to the boy, knelt one knee and handed him those parachute wings and in doing so told him “All soldiers have a long march home”. I watched this Pennsylvania township crowd for several minutes and I learned that America is and will always be loved by her people.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Mar 18 at 2018 12:11 AM

2018-03-18T00:11:21-04:00

CPT Alex Gallo Parades are away to celebrate America!

After 9/11/2001 American Flags were defiantly displayed everywhere. I am constantly dismayed when I attend a semi-dress, or dress occasion and only see 3-5 American Flag lapel pins in gentlemen’s lapels.

After LTC Alan West’s speech for an unwed mothers organization on Jan 20, 2018, only three US Flag pins were visible in an audience of 500.

WE NEED TO BUILD PATRIOTISM for our country!

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 18 at 2018 12:20 AM

2018-03-18T00:20:07-04:00

While I have no issue with parades themselves (and even think they'd be pretty awesome), I do wonder at the money spent on them. All the branches have shortages in manpower, equipment, and training funds. There's already so much money spent on frivolous stuff. Is this really a wise use of money?

Response by PV2 Alexus Rust made Mar 19 at 2018 1:09 PM

2018-03-19T13:09:11-04:00

I love parades. I remember when I was in AIT, I marched in a Veteran's Day Parade as well as help set it up. They should definitely have more of them to support the troops and vets.

Response by CPT Tom Monahan made Mar 21 at 2018 11:01 AM

2018-03-21T11:01:45-04:00

We have military parades all the time. Have the PAOs advertise better. Go to Arlington and see some short ones. The Marine Barracks has them all the time. So do the service academies and training brigades. Don’t have our warriors waste training or R&R time to play “tin soldiers” in the streets of our capital.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 25 at 2018 4:30 AM

2018-03-25T04:30:29-04:00

I think if we would all do our part as Veterans, Active Duty members and families. Many of us should be asking ourselves who this parade is really for and why now? We’ve been in battle since I left the Marine Corps in 1994 and still we aren’t near to ending the current one. Don’t get me wrong but just having a military parade for the sake of having one is not a bright, but something need to be done to help our military personnel and Veterans. A Military Parade will not suffice in this Marine’s opinion. I’m pretty sure that General Jim Mattis, our current Secretary of Defense should be concern because of the constant constraints with the overall military budget.

Response by SSG William Jones made Mar 25 at 2018 6:04 PM

2018-03-25T18:04:09-04:00

Great post. Thank you.

Response by SSgt Bruce Probert made Mar 25 at 2018 6:31 PM

2018-03-25T18:31:17-04:00

Promotion should be on merit not an educational score card I would think that fitness reports and performance at schools such as staff college and the like would out weigh an MBA any day. A good field grade leader already has the master's degree in practical knowledge. Why do you think we promote enlisted into the officer ranks? Leadership and good judgement that's why and the recommendation of good leaders with a demonstrated good judge of character.

Response by PO3 Anthony Nichols made Mar 29 at 2018 10:16 AM

2018-03-29T10:16:08-04:00

States have become complacent and legalize pot. Become sanctuaries. Definitely time for Trump to strengthen the might of the office of the President and remind us how states rights were dealt with in the past. You are right the constitution is not that important especially since it restricts a strong and active military presence on our soil. Or did I totally miss the comparisons being made?

Response by 1LT Tom Wilson made Mar 30 at 2018 12:34 PM

2018-03-30T12:34:10-04:00

With all due respect, Đại úy, the closest to a military parade America needs is Rolling Thunder. This is a gift from the people who acted as if military service in Vietnam was a priority to America, including your generation of soldiers. It's like the Vietnam Veterans War Memorial: the active military in the Pentagon did everything thing the could to prevent that monument to be built until the Democrats realized that, if we were going to have to deal with Iran violating our embassy, we couldn't keep treating people the way America continues to treat Vietnam Veterans and authorized Jann Scruggs to move forward. When I got back from Vietnam in 1971, there was already a committee of veterans determined to create that memorial and the people who helped block it from the Pentagon showed up to talk about "nobel causes".

Potus wants a parade because he thinks it makes your military dick hard because it makes his chickenshit draft-dodging chicken hawk dick hard. He is typical of Fortune 500 CEOs of that generation, my generation, who had other priorities than military service. You men and women on active duty have a duty to serve the US Constitution under the command of the Commander-in-Chief and my personal agenda is that Potus continue to succeed in the agenda George Washington set in motion and was endorsed and upgraded by Eisenhower's 1956 Presidential Platform, which put men on the moon, earned a profit on the Vietnam war and won the Cold War. I went to Vietnam on the basis of that agenda.

Everything associated with the crpto-Naze agenda I associate with Steve Bannon, William F. Buckley, FOX News, and most the people around POTUS without military service (FLOTUS being his better angel), such as, John "bomb your way out of Mueller's sights" Bolton. Like virtually every male I knew outside the miltiary community in college was scared shitless of going to Vietnam, but they didn't all join the anti-war draft-dodger Trostsky-inspired SDS but, with a corporate career in mind, joined the pro-war, draft-dodging, Ayn Rand inspired YAF, William F. Buckley's farm team for corporate careerists with a pronounced crypto-Nazi political list. Now, I don't know if John Bolton was a YAF, but, like Bill O'Reilly and Rush Limpdick, he carefully maintained his 2S deferment status until the draft essentially ended in 1971 and declared he didn't believe in the war and he believed he was going to begin a career as a crypto-Nazi war monger, the invasion of Iraq being his personal best, so far.

Now, it so happens, I had a 1Y "women and children first" deferment as an ROTC cadet from 1965 - 1969. In 1962, after listening to MacArthurs' valedictory, I consciously committed myself to a military career, with an ambition to end spend my career on A-Teams like in 12 Strong. I'm an Army brat and we already had family friends KIA in-country. After the Zippo Monks in 1963, I knew there was no hurry getting to Vietnam, the war was still going to be going on, and, after the assassination of the Diem brothers, I knew we couldn't win the war.

I know why I went to Vietnam in 1970 and I haven't changed my mind. I was a professional soldier and why we were in Vietnam was above my pay grade. It was just another day in paradise.

Now, that's who you guys are. Nothing has made me more proud than the way Americans stepped into the breach to be ready for Desert Storm nor the way you guys have sucked it up since 911 carrying a burden made unnecessarily heavy because of the cosmic stupidity of the invasion of Iraq. The fact that it is actually beginning to pay off for Iraq and, from my perspective, for Afghanistan is all because of the devotion to duty and Army Strong of you and everybody around you. But the people who sent you there, and are now talking about using the military's budget to sustain a campaign promise born entirely of a bloated ego and wishful thinking are dedicated to destroying everything I went to Vietnam to protect and nurture.

Including the health and welfare of the Army community, as a proxy for the military establishment. Army Family Team Building is a legacy of the 1973 reforms Gen. Gordon Sullivan set into motion, including Task Force Delta, which was run by Ltc. Frank "Be All You Can Be" Burns , the Army's Organization Effectiveness guru. Army Family Team Building was developed to remedy the sluggishness of the Army community during the Desert Shield re-deployments and was rolled out by Tradoc in 1994. This sluggishness was a legacy of McNamara's Harvard Business Model, which he imposed on the Defense Department and used to run Vietnam. In the final analysis, Vietnam was a contest between Marx and the Harvard Business Model and Marx won.

The guy who thinks parades are a good idea is trying to run America the way McNamara ran Vietnam and the people around him encourage it, because it makes them personally rich, fuck everybody else.

Now, as POTUS commands, you must obey. I voted for Nixon before I went to Vietnam and when I got back. I wouldn't have missed it for the world. But, since I got back , the people who have most consistently fucked things up, beginning with the Plumbers like Roger Stone and Fred Malik during Watergate up to Steve Bannon, John Bolton and the House Freedom Committee, are the people who were generally scarred shitless of going to Vietnam but, now, want to pull you around by your collective dicks with a parade.

Rolling Thunder is all you need. Don't stand when you can sit. Don't walk when you can ride. Stand down and enjoy Memorial Day on us.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Mar 30 at 2018 4:56 PM

2018-03-30T16:56:53-04:00

Might work.

Response by CPT Scott Sharon made Mar 30 at 2018 5:00 PM

2018-03-30T17:00:33-04:00

Thanks for the post Alex. I agree.

Response by CPT Scott Sharon made Mar 30 at 2018 5:23 PM

2018-03-30T17:23:05-04:00

I don't understand what military parades have to do with corporate tax cuts. Why don't people understand why we had to lower corporate tax rates? Don't they know how many trillions of dollars are lost from our economy and taxes each year by large corporations moving their headquarters to other countries where tax rates are half what they are here?

A simple example close to home is Canada whose corp rate was half the US rate. Check out one of the largest US restaurant chains that was supposedly purchased by a much smaller chain in Canada and their hqs moved there so their rate would be cut in half. Now, all that tax money goes to Canada and other countries. How many times can we afford to let that happen until the gravy train runs out? We need all that money here to fund all our own programs.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 30 at 2018 7:53 PM

2018-03-30T19:53:29-04:00

On Guam the USMC band and Silent Drill Team performed, they were spectacular. Some like the bikes, the island treated them to lunch and dinner before they left.

Response by SGT Beth Day made Mar 31 at 2018 4:42 PM

2018-03-31T16:42:28-04:00

We already have parades. Units from Fort Riley march in 4th of July parades, Veterans Day parades and participate in other community events all over Kansas. I'm sure those from other posts/bases do the same in their areas. Add Guard and Reserve forces. And the thing about these parades is the soldiers are welcomed and community members can interact. They aren't just a show of military might. THESE are the kinds of things we need to keep doing ... I'm sure some town or city would welcome Mr. Trump if he wanted to go to one. I don't see any need for a massive dog and pony show in Washington. In many ways, I think it would do more harm than good.

Response by PO3 David Greeley made Apr 11 at 2018 6:49 PM

2018-04-11T18:49:24-04:00

I feel that military parades is a way to honor our military remember our history and create patriotism. The first nine years I lived in Massachusetts. Massachusetts celebrated April 19th as Patriot's Day reenacting the battles of Lexington and Concord. It gave me a sense of history and sense of heritage, since my mother told me how our ancestors were in the Revolutionary War. But in the parades that were part of the celebration, every branch of the military was part of the parade. Good times, lets do more...

Response by TSgt Donald Sharpe made Apr 12 at 2018 9:19 AM

2018-04-12T09:19:28-04:00

I agree wholeheartedly. I fear, however, that our children and their children will lose any whisper of the ideals America used to stand for. The majority of millennials and younger can't name our current vice president.

In addition, they've been so coddled that they believe that their is nothing more important in the world than their own comfort. The mores and standards of our great nation, along with any sense of honor and sense of duty to her, are all but gone. They aren't taught at home, and they certainly aren't taught in schools. The vast majority of millennials voted for Bernie Sanders. If that doesn't sun up what I'm saying, I'm not sure what could.

There is a paradigm shift coming in the US, the likes of which we've never seen. Our next generation is the laziest, most egocentric, least educated, most doted-on overindulged group of kids the world has ever seen. Will enough of them grow up and realize that the real world is actually real, and that we as a nation must be ready to make the necessary sacrifices to keep our place in it? (I have to say that there are obviously exceptions, and that there are many folks from the millennial group and the generation following that are not this way. There is hope because of some of the shining examples of this group, and also in that these people are very smart and still have a chance to turn from their ignorance and become excellent members of society). Or will they continue in blind ignorance with the belief that the selfie they just posted is the most important thing in the world? We seriously need to pray for our country, folks.

Response by Sgt Ronald Paden made Apr 15 at 2018 8:51 PM

2018-04-15T20:51:55-04:00

I totally agree with more parades, they have always made me proud especially when I was in them.
When we show our pride it will bring many back to be proud as well. Americans seam to jump on board with their patriotism and pride but soon start losing interest. So I agree with parades on a regular bases. It would be great for a lot of us to see the heavy equipment ie missilecarriers, tanks, MRAP’s and such but I don’t know about in a public parades. I think early on too many would say we we’re showing aggressiveness to the world. But through parades maybe we can heal the Vietnam syndrome and get our countrys pride back to stay.

Response by SGT Randall Smith made Apr 23 at 2018 9:20 AM

2018-04-23T09:20:19-04:00

I was an Army Brat and dad being Infantry there were a lot of parades which we often attended.
When I was in the Army and stationed in Germany we had parades. When I came home from Viet Nam there were no parades. When my wife returned from Desert Storm there was a parade. At her parade and to this day, when the band starts a march I can feel it in my blood. If standing I come to attention and if sitting and just listening my feet start to tap. And when the Colors come by I still salute them and get a lump in my throat.

Response by SGT William Bowers made Apr 23 at 2018 11:13 AM

2018-04-23T11:13:56-04:00

May I contribute a short, narrow thought from a different perspective? No offense meant to anyone, but I'd wager I've been in more parades, ceremonies, etc. than everyone else here combined as I was an Army Bandsman for a number of years.

While we grumbled about long bus rides to every little tiny town and having to be pressed and shined in everything from fatigues to blues, sometimes in several different uniforms in the same day, I can tell you that the audiences really cared about what we did. We could see that parades in small towns meant a great deal to both the adults and kids and maybe bolstered their pride in our Country and Military. This was in the late 70's and early 80's when we didn't have those feelings, as a country, as much as we do now and we could see the difference that we made.

So we can discuss the costs and need for an additional big parade now, but there is quite a lot of possibly unseen value in them for our countrymen, Veterans, Retirees, Reserve, National Guard and Active Duty brothers and sisters in arms.

Response by SFC Hobart Hopkins made Apr 24 at 2018 7:18 AM

2018-04-24T07:18:52-04:00

As a Retired Veteran I have been in many, many parades. Yes, did not like the chain of command/responsibility parades but out there in the real world, I loved to march in them. Being stationed at Ft. Leavenworth, we had the largest Veteran's Day Parade West of the Mississippi River. Every large unit had a 40 man detail marching this 2 mile course. I loved it. When I retired, I respected those men and women marching there even more than when I used to do it. As someone said, seeing all of those Soldiers marching, keeping in step, saluting when TAPS sounded, and watching the jets fly overhead was all that you needed to see. However, in addition to all of that, Leavenworth High School has the largest and the very first JROTC unit and almost 1/2 of them were in the parade marching with all of the Soldiers before them. They had their own Honor Guard, their own Drum and Bugle Corps, and approximately 5 or 6 companies. Awesome, how these young people did what those Soldiers do every day.

So I ask you, do we need more parades or do we need to have one huge parade in our small cities to bring out some emotion of our young people who will then want to enlist into the ranks of our military. I'd rather have the latter.

Response by SPC Jay Peltier made Apr 26 at 2018 5:24 PM

2018-04-26T17:24:44-04:00

I am all for more parades.... but not to boost the ego of a draft dodging tyrant envying lying traitor!!

Response by SP5 Michael Walter made Apr 27 at 2018 1:05 AM

2018-04-27T01:05:05-04:00

As a nation we have reserved the military parade for celebration...to celebrate the end of conflict or, in our past, to inspire citizens to join our armed forces and to see them off to conflict.
SHOWS of military might and weaponry is nothing more than satisfying the immature need of a meglomaniacal emperor wannabe..
and unneeded saber-rattling.

Response by TSgt David Whitmore made May 3 at 2018 6:54 PM

2018-05-03T18:54:00-04:00

Thank you for your words and thoughts. I remember when, as a child, I would watch parades and memorial ceremonies, and think of the people honoured; and want to do my part when I got old enough.
Even though I did 20 years of service, I sometimes feel like I hadn't done enough for my country. And, I would do it all again.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made May 3 at 2018 7:31 PM

2018-05-03T19:31:16-04:00

Oh God no, not more parades. They suck, they are a colossal waste of time, energy and manpower. Think of the costs to send one BN sized unit to go for a day to a Parade? How many hours will 3 shop spend doing this, how many hours in rehearsal, make sure we get the vehicles, how many pre-inspections, Soldier Mc Fatty looks like crap, pull him out, soldier Jimmy Joe is going for his transgendered operation, he can't go. Oh frak you have no ideas how many days a Type A OCD Commander will spend trying to make it Barron von Steuben Perfect. Hell no, glad I am retired, monthly retirement ceremonies were bad enough.

Response by PO1 Floyd Clark made May 4 at 2018 11:22 AM

2018-05-04T11:22:07-04:00

There are better things the military could be doing rather than appeasing the child in the White House. Get him some other toys for God's sake

Response by SGT Walter Lester made May 10 at 2018 11:07 AM

2018-05-10T11:07:34-04:00

We need the parades and the military in them especially on Veterans Day. We need the luster of the military along with the older veterans we see each year. We need to celebrate the death of our fellow veterans and what better way to give it to them. Give them the parade they never had when most of us came home from battle.

Response by SGT Walter Lester made May 10 at 2018 11:44 AM

2018-05-10T11:44:01-04:00

Lets have the parade, it's long past due. We need it to build our support to our military and honor our Veterans passed and present. Someone in this brief said he wanted to hear from others about their thoughts. That's what is wrong with our country now with our wait and see attitude. He also asked if any of us would give up our holiday to march in the parade. Well here is my answer to him. I have a broken back with a permanent fixation, had a broken right pelvis, I have nerve damage in my right leg and foot.I have to walk with a cane so I don't fall because of the loss of feeling in my leg.
I went to DC on Veterans Day in 2007 to a reunion. My wife and I went to the Arlington National Cemetery.to the placing of the reef at the tum of the unknowns. We walked all the way through it with no help from anyone. We walked through most of the markers of soldiers who never got their parade when they came home from war. I know that if I survived that walk that if I was asked to march in a parade for them I could do it today, and I would do it for my passed Brothers.

Response by Maj Mike Sciales made May 16 at 2018 11:00 AM

2018-05-16T11:00:22-04:00

I marched in one parade on active. That was very nice, but also enough. We have ceremonial units and that is all they do, so let them do what they signed up for. I just find it hard to justify increased budget demands against a $30 million for a two-hour show. I'd much rather any surplus and discretionary funds go into improving care for our veterans. Besides, getting an active duty unit ready for a parade is a logistical nightmare and takes training time, time that could be better spent preparing the war fighter for the next war.

Response by CSM Andrew Perrault made May 17 at 2018 2:51 PM

2018-05-17T14:51:54-04:00

100 percent waste of time and resources...

Response by SFC Marcus Belt made May 25 at 2018 10:41 AM

2018-05-25T10:41:49-04:00

Parades are tangential, perhaps even detrimental to the functions of killing people and breaking stuff, or enabling same.

They are a useful diversion when a military force has nothing else to do.

How is this even a thing?

Response by Thunder O'Meara made Jun 1 at 2018 2:58 PM

2018-06-01T14:58:56-04:00

Military parades, to me, feel like ways to show power we want the world to think we have but in reality, don't. Believe me, if the world wasn't in such turmoil, I would be in favor. But we have to keep people guessing about our power and come to the point: Don't mess with them. If they do decide to hit the button for war, then they will quickly figure out that they made a huge and terrible mistake. To quote Toby Keith:
And you'll be sorry that you messed with
The U.S. of A.
'Cause we'll put a boot in your ass
It's the American way
Anyways, that's just my 2 cents.

Response by SPC Byron Skinner made Jun 1 at 2018 8:25 PM

2018-06-01T20:25:50-04:00

Sp4 Byron Skinner, After reading this post I think the omission of veterans of Korea and Vietnam on his lit of the saintly one is all that need to be said. To the younger veterans who seem to want to not associate with the ruffian for Korea and Vietnam I can only say F--- You. We fought a war not complained, pissed and whine about ribbons and decorations. We came home and took off our uniforms and that was it.

Response by Sgt Jon Mcvay made Jun 2 at 2018 4:11 PM

2018-06-02T16:11:26-04:00

We just had a parade (memorial day ) and I got to meet a 96 year old man. He shook some, his words slurred some, and his daughter has a hard time getting him out of or into the vehicle. Yet he was there for the parade, remembering those that lost their lives in WW2. He told me many stories of his exploits in that time, including the ones he had to kill. His eyes watered up as he said "Thats what I have to live with". So yes we need to have more representation of all branches of the military. We need to show the world that we are strong, intelligent, and LOVED by our countrymen/women/children.
This is the country that I was raised in. I am proud that I served if only for a short time.( 7 years) I also adored my Grand-father who served in the Army during war time. I keep his memory alive in me, I also keep those I served with alive in me. July 4th is not that far away just a thought everyone that ever served go and walk, ride, in this next one. Just so that I am still not alone I have my brothers and sisters of the Best Kind next to me.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2018 4:52 PM

2018-06-02T16:52:29-04:00

Personally I do not see the need for a huge military specific parade. I am as patriotic, pro USA, pro military as the next guy but what is truly the point. Our military is so well known and mainly appreciated across the USA and in a lot of other countries. We have military in most parades all across the country. This is not a post Vietnam War military where Soldiers who put their lives on the line are shunned and underappreciated. I my self have been in several parades in the USA and in Europe We have our presents and it is well known and appreciated.

Response by Sgt Jon Mcvay made Jun 2 at 2018 4:55 PM

2018-06-02T16:55:29-04:00

Congratulations:
We the people in order to form a more perfect union. Establish justice , insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, establish the blessings of liberty. To our selves and our prosperity. Do ordain and establish this Constitution of the United States of America.
Sure there have been great speeches over time, by great men.
Your my hero.

Response by LCpl Troy Gwyn made Jun 22 at 2018 2:03 PM

2018-06-22T14:03:53-04:00

Lincoln referred to the Declaration of Independence because the battle happened on July 4th.

Response by LCpl Troy Gwyn made Jun 22 at 2018 2:05 PM

2018-06-22T14:05:26-04:00

No dog and pony shows!

Response by SFC Adam Miller made Jul 24 at 2018 5:40 PM

2018-07-24T17:40:45-04:00

I don't need a parade to feel respected. I did my time and realize that some people feel respect towards me for that and others contempt. I suspect the Presidents desire for a parade is a insecurity to feel accepted by those who did what he for his own reasons wouldn't do and that is serve.

Response by SPC Mike Davis made Aug 15 at 2018 8:05 AM

2018-08-15T08:05:30-04:00

From a enlisted view...one more, "rent a parade!"

Response by CPT Stanley Kober made Aug 19 at 2018 9:43 AM

2018-08-19T09:43:24-04:00

CPT Gallo: I agree with your perspective but couldn't help but miss seeing Korea and Vietnam not in your list.

Response by Sgt Diego Rodriguez made Sep 2 at 2018 5:29 PM

2018-09-02T17:29:27-04:00

Parades look nice and all but I don't think they would really do much plus we have bigger things to worry about than a seeing a bunch of guys march. Also, while I understand that keeping up with image and appearances is paramount to a lot of people sometimes that isn't the course to go. What we really need to do is fix areas not only in government but within our society to restore it to something much more.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 8 at 2018 4:40 PM

2018-09-08T16:40:17-04:00

I understand your position. No.

Response by PO2 Michael Galey made Sep 20 at 2018 9:48 PM

2018-09-20T21:48:19-04:00

Last year I attended Remembrance Day in Vancouver Island, BC Canada my VFW Post was invited as a fellow veteran. I'm in my 60's and the thought of marching on a parade route was daunting. The company of Canadian Veterans was the ultimate courtesy call I've ever experienced. When the SGM barked the command Quick Step MARCH!! There wasn't any doubt I could march along my brother's in arms. The Crowds exploded into cheers when we turned the corner into view and I heard "OH Look there's a group of YANKS in formation!" I'll cherish that Veterans Day in Canada forever.

Response by CPO William A. Bullard Jr. made Oct 1 at 2018 2:23 PM

2018-10-01T14:23:00-04:00

Stra

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 23 at 2018 5:37 AM

2018-10-23T05:37:11-04:00

Way to dig up an old thread.

My thoughts are echoed by another author who also wrote on this subject. When it was mentioned that there were large parades after WWII and no one had a problem with them then. The big difference was that there was something, a win, to celebrate. We’ve been in Afghanistan for 17 years with no end in sight, too many still in Iraq and countless other locations across the world. Give the country a solid win to celebrate and we’ll all cheer and march together.

Response by Lt Col Lewis Williams made Oct 31 at 2018 7:28 PM

2018-10-31T19:28:55-04:00

Speaking to the Gettysburg Address, I’m not sure President Lincoln was telling the military it was their job to never forget. Since he was trying to heal a divided nation, it seems to me that he was asking each citizen of the US to not forget the blood she’s on both sides for which each saw as a noble enough endeavour to fight and kill for. His admonishment was that we never forget, as Americans, whether civilian or not, to remember that there are a select few that fight for us all.

Response by SFC Melvin Brandenburg made Jul 7 at 2019 10:06 AM

2019-07-07T10:06:22-04:00

I think few understand the purpose of the military and the purpose of parades.