Abandoned During Trump's First Term
Due to Criticism of 'Authoritarian States' and Cost Concerns
The Washington Post (WP) reported on June 9 (local time) that damage such as road deterioration is expected in Washington, D.C., due to a military parade organized by the U.S. Army to mark both the 250th anniversary of its founding and the birthday of President Donald Trump.
Ahead of the 250th anniversary parade of the U.S. Army's founding, military officials are unloading heavy equipment and military vehicles for the event on the 9th (local time) in Maryland, USA. Photo by Reuters
According to WP, at the parade scheduled for June 14, 28 Abrams tanks?the U.S. military's main battle tanks?will participate in the street procession. Each Abrams tank weighs about 70 tons, which is nearly double the maximum weight of 36 tons that Washington, D.C. roads are designed to support. In addition, 28 Stryker armored vehicles, about 100 other vehicles, one B-25 bomber from World War II, 34 horses, and 6,600 soldiers will participate in the parade, while 50 helicopters will fly overhead.
Local broadcaster NBC Washington estimated that road damage could total $16 million. In response, Army spokesperson Steve Warren told WP that this is only an early estimate of the costs that could arise if no mitigation efforts are made. He explained that the tanks are planned to move at walking speed and that rubber pads are being attached between the metal tank treads and the road surface to act as a buffer.
In addition to road damage, costs are expected to arise from trash collection, road closures, and police overtime. However, WP reported that the Army has not commented on whether it will compensate for these expenses. Military officials estimate that the Army will bear up to $45 million in costs for the parade.
June 14, the day of the parade, is both President Trump's 79th birthday and the 250th anniversary of the Army's founding. Army officials stated that they have no plans to sing a birthday song to President Trump or otherwise highlight his birthday.
According to WP, the Army applied for a permit in June last year, during the Biden administration, to hold the 250th anniversary event in Washington, D.C. However, the original plan was for a small-scale event featuring the Army band, four cannons firing celebratory salutes, and up to 300 soldiers and civilian personnel participating.
However, after President Trump was elected, the plans changed completely. WP reported that President Trump, who had envied military parades in other countries, wanted a grand event, and the Army did not miss the opportunity to showcase its military strength.
During his first term, President Trump also attempted to hold a military parade in Washington, D.C., but abandoned the plan due to strong opposition over excessive costs and potential damage caused by tanks. There was criticism that displaying military power through parades is a practice of authoritarian countries such as Russia and North Korea, and then-Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis also opposed the plan, warning against using the military for political purposes.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
