What are your thoughts on having Tanks and other armored vehicles in the 2019 Independence Day Parade in Washington D.C. ?

2019-07-03T17:07:41-04:00

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Jul 3 at 2019 5:08 PM

2019-07-03T17:08:38-04:00

What took them so long?

Response by PV2 Duane Schlender made Jul 3 at 2019 5:11 PM

2019-07-03T17:11:58-04:00

While displays of this sort are nice, and such. Blatant displays of death machines is not my idea of celebrating something that should be positive (release from oppression).

I think there are better ways to celebrate this. (and keep in mind, I love tanks. I was a tank mechanic in the army, and I wish I could have a WWII KonigsTiger as a daily driver)
If we get used to having death machines on parade, how long will it be before we turn into cold war Russia?

But that is also just my own opinion.

Response by LTC Eugene Chu made Jul 3 at 2019 5:16 PM

2019-07-03T17:16:29-04:00

We had a military parade in DC after Desert Storm and it was a headache. Driving heavy vehicles with limited driver visibility or turning maneuverability on DC public streets can potentially cause infrastructure damage. Be ready for closed roads and bad traffic in best case scenario. Be ready for big clean-up and repair bill in worst case scenario.

https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2018/02/the-last-time-washington-hosted-a-military-parade-it-was-a-huge-mess.html

The Last Time Washington Hosted a Military Parade, It Was a Huge Mess

It literally tore the city apart.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 3 at 2019 5:20 PM

2019-07-03T17:20:25-04:00

Get the asphalt ready to repave the roads?

Response by SGT Steve McFarland made Jul 3 at 2019 5:20 PM

2019-07-03T17:20:42-04:00

Why not?

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jul 3 at 2019 5:33 PM

2019-07-03T17:33:43-04:00

Do they need to armor all it?

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Jul 3 at 2019 5:45 PM

2019-07-03T17:45:22-04:00

I say let's show off a little of the hardware the taxpayers have funded for all of the Services. Several aircraft doing flybys. The Army and Marines should get to drive tanks, personnel carriers and other equipment in review. Heck, park a Navy ship or two and a Coast Guard Cutter at the Washington Navy Yard for the week.

Response by SSG Danny Miller made Jul 3 at 2019 5:49 PM

2019-07-03T17:49:34-04:00

Go for it.

Response by MAJ James Woods made Jul 3 at 2019 6:03 PM

2019-07-03T18:03:38-04:00

The money being used could be put to better use. Military installations across the country celebrate the 4th of July in different ways. American communities are already exposed and show their patriotic support to our military. So what is the real motivation behind this? Political? Personal? Just add this to the category of fraud, waste and abuse.

Response by CPL Julie Haas made Jul 3 at 2019 6:39 PM

2019-07-03T18:39:04-04:00

I think it is a fine display of the weapon systems that the Army has however I see it as pointless as it is just for show. California has an annual Torrence Parade where they do the same thing. It's nice that the civilians can see it but it's a Dog and Pony show.

Response by SSG Carlos Madden made Jul 3 at 2019 7:01 PM

2019-07-03T19:01:05-04:00

Display is cool especially for kids visiting DC. I'm glad there won't be a parade. They would damage the roads and feel a little too dictator-ish for my liking.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 3 at 2019 7:13 PM

2019-07-03T19:13:36-04:00

I am all for the Army showing off their tanks. Too large of a percentage of the civilian population doesn’t even know we are still at war. Maybe seeing some military hardware on display will connect the civilian population with the military population if just for a day.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 3 at 2019 7:32 PM

2019-07-03T19:32:32-04:00

In 1991, there was a huge military parade in Washington D.C. complete with tanks, planes from different services, missile carriers, troops from different services, and few people complained about it. The cost was 12 million.

https://www.c-span.org/video/?18328-1/national-victory-celebration-parade

National Victory Celebration Parade

Bands play, troops march, flags fly and military weaponry and equipment roll down Constitution Avenue during the National Victory Celebration Parade in Washington, DC. Narration is provided for the…

Response by SSG Byron Howard Sr made Jul 3 at 2019 7:43 PM

2019-07-03T19:43:30-04:00

About time let's show off our toys. I don't think enough people in the states know what we have.

Response by COL Gary Gresh made Jul 3 at 2019 7:59 PM

2019-07-03T19:59:48-04:00

Who the hell cares. And the Europeans better shut their mouths. If it wasn’t for Patton’s tanks they all be speaking German or Russian. France does it all the time. And the queen of England doesn’t go anywhere without 100 guards in armor.

Response by PVT Kenneth Krause made Jul 3 at 2019 8:00 PM

2019-07-03T20:00:26-04:00

Uup

Response by Sgt John Steinmeier made Jul 3 at 2019 8:24 PM

2019-07-03T20:24:40-04:00

Why not. They had nuclear capable missiles doing a Pass and Review for Kennedy's inauguration. Stuff like this was common place up until the Vietnam War.

Response by MSgt Michael Bischoff made Jul 3 at 2019 8:44 PM

2019-07-03T20:44:38-04:00

Dumbest idea ever

Response by SPC Erich Guenther made Jul 3 at 2019 8:47 PM

2019-07-03T20:47:51-04:00

As a former anti-tank gunner, I never thought I would see the day that 4-5 M1 Abrams tanks parked on flatbed trailers in our Nations Capital would strike such fear in Liberals across the country. It is both unbelievable and very entertaining at the same time.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 3 at 2019 9:08 PM

2019-07-03T21:08:17-04:00

I've been to many 4th of July celebrations and have watched the ones in DC on TV. Never once while enjoying the feelings of pride and patriotism that go with these celebrations did I feel, or any of my friends, say " you know, what would make this celebration better would be if we had had tanks, lots of tanks. (even if it was a brand new, offthe assembly line Sherman tank. ) or better yet, let's have thepresident talk and have a VIPsection that is only for large donors to the republican party and republican leaders. That's what we need to make us feel united as Americans again!

Response by SPC Perry Gresham made Jul 3 at 2019 9:18 PM

2019-07-03T21:18:58-04:00

Hell yeah! Seriously, it's painfully apparent that a majority of our younger generations have no idea about what or who is out there protecting them. I think we are losing our sense of pride especially in the higher education arena. Besides, tanks are bad ass and vibrating some sidewalks will make a believer out of most.

Response by LTC Gary Earls made Jul 3 at 2019 9:21 PM

2019-07-03T21:21:16-04:00

They are going to allow kids to climb on the tanks, etc. Might inspired some of the kids to join the military later in life. Most people never talk to someone in the Armed Forces and this is an excellent opportunity for them to do so. Plus if our enemies see some of the firepower we have, they might decide that messing with us isn't a wise decision. :-)

Response by CMSgt Palmer Luro made Jul 3 at 2019 9:46 PM

2019-07-03T21:46:11-04:00

About time!! Show the world what we use to help keep peace world-wide and/or take care of any enemy.

Response by SP5 Dennis Loberger made Jul 3 at 2019 10:03 PM

2019-07-03T22:03:57-04:00

I don't believe the tanks will actually be in the parade, but if they are........Get the DPW out to repair the damage

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Jul 3 at 2019 10:57 PM

2019-07-03T22:57:37-04:00

SHOW THE FLAG ! Imbue some pride and patriotism in the people!

POTUS Trump is attempting to restore America’s pride in America. Allow America to hear the ‘sounds’ of a tank without the finely ground dust they generate! SSG Ronald Williams

Response by Nancy Ashley made Jul 4 at 2019 1:25 AM

2019-07-04T01:25:24-04:00

I think it's entirely appropriate. Anyone who doesn't think so just doesn't get it and is Military-phobic!
Nancy

Response by Cpl Mark A. Morris made Jul 4 at 2019 4:02 AM

2019-07-04T04:02:08-04:00

Great idea. Just watch your toes.

Response by Cpl Jeff N. made Jul 4 at 2019 8:22 AM

2019-07-04T08:22:02-04:00

There is no issue with this whatsoever. Those complaining about cost are hiding behind a transparent veil. The bottom line for most opposing this is Trump is doing it. Trump will be president either 4 or 8 years. We have celebrated our independence for 243 years. This is not a "Trump Parade" as those of the left want to call it to attack it. It is an Independence Day celebration, Trump happens to be president and has made the celebration a little larger.

We have military displays all of the time. It is very common for Army and Marine artillery units to fire their pieces during the William Tell Overturn every year. We have Airshows and static displays all of the time. This is another non issue being worked into a froth by those that oppose ANYTHING Trump does.

Response by PO1 Donna Bethke made Jul 4 at 2019 9:21 AM

2019-07-04T09:21:20-04:00

I applaud President Trump! He is standing firm for the majority of the United States! We the People...You Know the Rest! They are going to be upset because they have to pay their taxes because they don't like him!! Thank you!!

Response by SP5 Dennis Dorsey made Jul 4 at 2019 9:34 AM

2019-07-04T09:34:00-04:00

It isn't the thought of having our military show off the armored vehicles, it is the thought of it ending up being a political rally at tax payer expense. 2.5 million dollars from an already underfunded park service? I wonder who is going to rake the leaves?

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 4 at 2019 11:25 AM

2019-07-04T11:25:00-04:00

The civilian population needs to see their military hardware. We see airplanes and ships often, but need to see the tanks, trucks, and other big weapons which the average military person has at their hands to wage war. I sure wish that we Marines had the M1 tank during Nam. I can't believe the cowardice of people who criticize using tanks, etc. in a military parade. There will be a RUDE awakening in the next election!!!

Response by SGT David Tribbey made Jul 4 at 2019 12:17 PM

2019-07-04T12:17:35-04:00

I suspect that whether one thinks having tanks and other military armor in Washington D.C. is a great idea or not depends on whether one believes this to be an Independence Day parade or a Donald Trump Parade. As an old Vietnam vet with the 11th Armored Cav and the 5th Mechanized Division, I’m all for it. Back in the day all we had were the old M48 Pattons and M113 ACAVs so I’d love to see up close the advanced armor we employ today.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Jul 4 at 2019 1:46 PM

2019-07-04T13:46:08-04:00

To me, it seems like it is about to get loud. Other than the noise levels, the rest of the debate is hogwash and just more fake news.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 4 at 2019 9:47 PM

2019-07-04T21:47:13-04:00

Not an issue.
Parts of speech I watched wasn't political.
Laughed when I heard the Continental Army "took over airports."
Complaining about it decreases credibility of the complainer considering it turn into a political rally.

Response by SSG Henry May made Jul 4 at 2019 11:52 PM

2019-07-04T23:52:54-04:00

left) President Lyndon B. Johnson directs the sending of federal troops to quell riots in Detroit. (Corbis via Getty Images) | Army tanks patrolling Detroit during riots in 1967. (Lee Balterman/Life Picture Collection/Getty Images)

Response by Devansh Chaurasiya made Jul 5 at 2019 2:28 AM

2019-07-05T02:28:26-04:00

I dont think it is a great idea...we all know US military is great..need not prove sun is hot..people should chill

Response by SGT James Eicker made Jul 5 at 2019 6:46 AM

2019-07-05T06:46:00-04:00

Disgusting! That's what they do in China, Russia, anad NK. We have a very little boy as pResident, who is very insecure. His "bone spurs" kept him from being a real hero, so now he leads from the rear, by playing soldier. The world knows we have the best armed forces in the world, we don't need to show it off. Walk softly and carry a big stick.

Response by SFC Robert Walton made Jul 5 at 2019 9:05 AM

2019-07-05T09:05:23-04:00

Well the parade is over and I only seen one static display and a bunch of fly overs and an awesome pat on the back for each branch. Would have loved to see some Tanks and other equipment, but unless they did not show it I DID NOT see a armor display.

Response by LTC John Griscom made Jul 5 at 2019 12:42 PM

2019-07-05T12:42:51-04:00

Great idea. Last time was 1991.
Do it again for Veterans Day.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jul 5 at 2019 1:23 PM

2019-07-05T13:23:15-04:00

They should have armor alled the tracks.

Response by SGT Ram Upadhyaya made Jul 5 at 2019 3:47 PM

2019-07-05T15:47:28-04:00

Looks like Red Dawn.

Response by PO2 Frank Baldwin made Jul 7 at 2019 4:46 PM

2019-07-07T16:46:34-04:00

Aren't they just on exhibit? People should see what their tax dollars buy. I live in greater Milwaukee; in honor of the re-opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway in 1959, a fleet of ships were here and opened to the including a heavy cruiser. Both the US and Canadian Navies participated. There was even a mock amphibious landing at one of the public beaches. It is what inspired me to join the Navy.

Frank Baldwin
PO2, USNR 1968-74
Vietnam War Veteran 1970

Response by SGT Tim Fridley made Jul 8 at 2019 12:44 AM

2019-07-08T00:44:10-04:00

As a HET Operator in the Guard I hauled many different pieces of equipment including Tanks in all kinds of parades. Always a favorite with everyone. BTW the ones in DC were not actually in the parade. They were on Static Display on the Mall.

Response by TSgt Bruce Lucast made Jul 8 at 2019 9:10 AM

2019-07-08T09:10:22-04:00

I think a smart recruiter would be there looking for recruits!

Response by SrA Michael Webster made Jul 9 at 2019 1:30 PM

2019-07-09T13:30:34-04:00

The only concern I would have is the possible wear and tear on the street, but I don't think it would even be that much.

Response by Sgt Frank Staples made Jul 9 at 2019 11:52 PM

2019-07-09T23:52:46-04:00

Sgt. Furr has hit it exactly right. I'm a taxpayer and I LOVE to see my bucks at work! What happened here was the liberal media egged on by the trump derangement syndrome snowflakes on the left. If you want a hit of reality go to readersupportednews.com and read some of the crap that's on there. You're all babykillers and anyone on the right is a fascist scum. Incredible! The parade was nothing more than a warning to the democrats and we all are planning to keep trump in office for another term or so...unreal how these people think.

Response by Robert Janisse made Jul 10 at 2019 12:30 PM

2019-07-10T12:30:20-04:00

Tanks are awesome!!!!!!!!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2019 12:56 PM

2019-07-10T12:56:36-04:00

Finally it’s been a long long time sense the public and military celebrated together.

Response by Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth made Jul 12 at 2019 10:34 AM

2019-07-12T10:34:21-04:00

Ithink it is awesome. Everyonce and a while we need to showcase tothe American people what we do, what we have, and let them see it in action. The average american citizen only sees it at war and spun through the news about costs and readiness etc. Let the taxpayers see what they are paying for. This was no different that all the Airshows we support across the US every weekend all year. I talso think it creates a sense of pride in the American people and calms the herd so to speak knowing that we are sitting on the ready to defend. Good investment mentally as well as financially...IMHO

Response by SGT James Murphy made Jul 15 at 2019 10:17 AM

2019-07-15T10:17:02-04:00

Why Not JFK did it!

Response by CW2 Michael Bodnar made Jul 15 at 2019 3:16 PM

2019-07-15T15:16:51-04:00

SSG Ronald Williams It was too long since they did this the last time. What the media fails to mention is the other Presidents who used our military might and showcased it to the public. Yes, it costs money and it would be something I'd be willing to donate to. I truly loved watching the parade on TV along with the festivities. We were celebrating America but to the left, we were invading the capital.

Response by SFC Melvin Brandenburg made Jul 15 at 2019 6:16 PM

2019-07-15T18:16:10-04:00

More the better

Response by MSgt Robert Flowers made Jul 18 at 2019 2:48 PM

2019-07-18T14:48:35-04:00

Great

Response by CSM David Brock made Jul 18 at 2019 2:57 PM

2019-07-18T14:57:51-04:00

I think that was a great move by the Commander in Chief. We should do this more often.

Response by Sgt Ron Sprague made Jul 18 at 2019 5:39 PM

2019-07-18T17:39:06-04:00

Made for great 4th of July parade!!

Response by SFC Glenn Hopkins made Jul 18 at 2019 8:07 PM

2019-07-18T20:07:34-04:00

Fuck that! That is what Sets the U.S. apart from Russia! They believe parading tanks and missiles through Moscow makes them look bigger. It’s like playing poker in my opinion, keep them guessing.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 20 at 2019 1:51 AM

2019-07-20T01:51:44-04:00

My professional opinion doesn’t matter why because we have Air shows and Navy Fleet Week to name a few. Do I need to say more. If the POUS wanted to have them, then make it happen, but don’t charge the military services for just a Dog and Pony Show. We can’t take care of our military families for God sakes. What he should have done is recognize all the military services families and start taking care of them.

Response by TSgt Gwen Walcott made Jul 23 at 2019 10:28 AM

2019-07-23T10:28:51-04:00

As long as they are running on rubber tracks, it is fine.
But keep the missiles in their silos --- no need to parade them

Response by LTC Charles Lauderdale made Jul 27 at 2019 1:48 AM

2019-07-27T01:48:22-04:00

I submitted a plan to Mr. Trump in which we would bring a mechanized infantry battalion augmented with a company of M1A1's. We would come straight down the mall and surround the capital complex. We would march all 435 members of Congress and their staffs onto the mall. Issue them a tent and a bus ticket for California. End of Russian Investigation and beginning of happy days. Soldier/Cop/Grunt, Retired.

Response by SGT Juan Robledo made Jul 28 at 2019 1:24 PM

2019-07-28T13:24:09-04:00

Have it every year, I've taken my kids when they were younger to the military base to see them first hand, now I take my grandkids to do the same, having heavy artillery to include tanks at a celebration event is just great for those that don't have access to military bases and it shows what it takes to defend this country and to back out allies anytime they need our military

Response by MAJ Hugh Blanchard made Jul 28 at 2019 10:51 PM

2019-07-28T22:51:33-04:00

Aside from small issues I have with possible damage to the roads on the parade route, I don't see what the fuss is about. It seems to me that the biggest reasons for opposing the parade are: 1) Those opposed to the parade hate President Trump and will oppose anything he wants to do, and 2) Those opposed to the parade are mostly "progressive" globalist socialists who thoroughly dislike the military and want to de-fund the Dept of Defense to provide more "Welfare Empire" hand-out programs, including giving free stuff to illegal aliens. Since I disagree with both of those positions, I have no problem with a tribute to the military, including a big parade in Washington DC or the "Canyon of Heroes" in New York City.

Response by PO2 John Driskill made Aug 8 at 2019 1:22 PM

2019-08-08T13:22:18-04:00

The French have no problems with it on July 14th every year, why should we?

Response by SP5 Howard Moore made Aug 10 at 2019 10:30 PM

2019-08-10T22:30:31-04:00

think it sucks im sure the solders would rather had the time off

Response by SSG Shawn Mcfadden made Aug 17 at 2019 1:23 PM

2019-08-17T13:23:23-04:00

It was all done to stoke trump's STUPID LITTLE EGO. BTW, there were only 2 tanks, and 2 Bradley's there anyway.

Response by Sgt Heriberto Salinas made Aug 31 at 2019 1:56 PM

2019-08-31T13:56:29-04:00

INSPIRATION! That is what happened to me when I saw parades/ air shows. As long as they are road friendly, then I have no problem.

Response by SGT James Murphy made Oct 14 at 2019 10:25 AM

2019-10-14T10:25:58-04:00

Only if they Blow the Shit out of the DNC Headquarters... Oh... did I say that out loud?

Response by SPC Timothy Steffen made Oct 18 at 2019 11:09 PM

2019-10-18T23:09:03-04:00

No I think doing a North Korea and Chinese crap should never happen on my soil. I gave blood and bones for.

Response by SSgt Tom Neven made Oct 28 at 2019 7:46 PM

2019-10-28T19:46:20-04:00

They're too heavy for the roads. They'll tear up the pavement and crack utility lines beneath.

Response by SFC James Welch made Nov 3 at 2019 4:52 PM

2019-11-03T16:52:29-05:00

I love a Parade. Have everything that walks, clanks or rolls in it, and Horse Cavalry, I love the 1st Cav Division Horse Platoon. Flags, Marching Bands, put an a show that will always be remembered by everyone who sees it!

Response by SFC Glenn Hopkins made Apr 28 at 2020 3:59 AM

2020-04-28T03:59:52-04:00

The U.S. shouldn't have to parade our Tanks, and missiles. It should be the men and women. Russia does this to project might and make the population think they're tougher than they are.