President Trump is looking to make 4th of July parades great again. Or at least, focusing our attention on how great our military is.
Inspired by Bastille Day celebrations during his visit to France, the President floated the idea of showcasing America’s military might on Independence Day.
During a press gathering at the United Nations, prior to a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, Trump revealed his plans.
He’d like to see a big, beautiful parade on the streets of DC.
“So we’re actually thinking about Fourth of July, Pennsylvania Avenue, having a really great parade to show our military strength,” he told reporters.
Trump Floats Idea of Big Military Parade on July 4th to Match Bastille Day. https://t.co/LwPKJLLSfN
— Ned Ryun (@nedryun) September 19, 2017
In July, the Guardian reported on Trump’s delight in the military display put on by the French for their Bastille Day celebration.
Trump “was frequently on his feet and applauding as the French military showcased its troops, tanks and fighter jets, including many US-made planes,” they reported.
“White House observers said they had not seen him so happy for months.”
Following his visit to France for Bastille Day, President Trump says he wants a July 4 parade “to show our military strength” pic.twitter.com/cmL9JCVCzO
— Axios (@axios) September 18, 2017
The President explained that he’s in discussions with Chief of Staff John Kelly on the logistics behind holding their own grand military parade.
General Jack Keane, a retired four-star general and former Vice Chief of Staff of the United States Army, expressed his support for the plan.
“I think it’s a great idea,” he said.
.@gen_jackkeane on Trump calling for massive military parade on July 4th: “I think it’s a great idea.” pic.twitter.com/cLFwOBicyR
— FOX Business (@FoxBusiness) September 18, 2017
Internal e-mails from Pentagon sources show President Trump was interested in adding military vehicles to his inauguration parade.
The Presidential Inaugural Committee said they were “seriously considering adding military vehicles to the Inaugural Parade” after requesting pictures of said vehicles.
It appears as though the Bastille Day celebrations have renewed Trump’s interest in having that show of might on Independence Day instead.
Do you think a military parade on the 4th of July is a good idea? Tell us why or why not in the comments section below!
