Unpacking the Trump Military Parade: A Creative Take by Darcy

CLEVELAND, Ohio — My family loves the military. My dad and several uncles served in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force. One even graduated from West Point. They fought in wars, from WWII to Vietnam and Iraq.

Uncle Edward Cahill was a B-17 co-pilot. Tragically, he lost his life over Berlin in May 1944. He had already flown 28 missions and filled in for another crew. For his bravery, he received the Distinguished Flying Cross after his death. My Aunt Mary even joined the Red Cross to search for him in Europe.

I proudly salute my family and the troops who participated in the military parade celebrating the 250th birthday of the U.S. Army. It’s a moment to honor service and sacrifice.

However, I have concerns about a military parade led by President Donald Trump. His actions often feel hypocritical. During the Vietnam War, he received a deferment due to a questionable ‘bone spurs’ diagnosis. This is not just my opinion; the daughters of the doctor have publicly questioned its legitimacy.

Trump’s past reminds me of the way he has treated military service members. He has mocked Sen. John McCain, a former prisoner of war, for his sacrifice. It’s hard to celebrate a parade when the person leading it has belittled those who served.

The parade featured troops in historical uniforms, showcasing different eras of military history. Yet, I found it troubling that Trump recently called out the National Guard for protests in Los Angeles without local requests. One wonders if he would have included the Ohio National Guard troops from Kent State, who tragically shot four students during Vietnam protests.

Additionally, during his presidency, Trump suggested extreme measures against demonstrators, while responding to the January 6 insurrection differently. It raises questions about his views on military engagement with civilians.

Many see his parades as echoing authoritarian regimes, drawing comparisons to North Korea. Attendance was modest, even among Republicans, which might not have been solely due to rain. Personally, I’d like to see more of the parade coverage; it might be worth hosting a version of it on Veterans Day each year to honor those who served.

In the end, military parades should celebrate service and dedication. They remind us of the sacrifices made for our freedom and how we can better appreciate those in uniform today.

For further insights on veteran affairs and military history, you can explore resources from organizations like the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or delve into historical accounts available at PBS.

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