Opinion:
There’s no shortage of controversy over President Trump’s planned military parade on June 14, just as the Army marks its 250th anniversary. Critics are right to question the timing—it’s also Trump’s 79th birthday—and the focus on just the Army, rather than the entire military. But before we dismiss the idea outright, let’s remember: military parades aren’t necessarily a sign of creeping fascism.
Countries like France and the United Kingdom have long traditions of military parades—the Bastille Day celebrations in Paris and the Trooping the Colour in London are beloved civic events, not symbols of authoritarianism. Even Russia’s Victory Day parades, while grandiose, reflect a different national context and history. The problem isn’t the parade itself, but how and when it’s done.
If the goal were truly to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary, the parade would be scheduled for July 4, 2026—the actual semiquincentennial of the Declaration of Independence. Instead, this parade feels more like a birthday party for Trump, with the Army as the guest of honor. That’s a missed opportunity. The event could have been a unifying, nonpartisan celebration of American history and service, rather than a spectacle tied to a single individual.
The focus on the Army alone is also puzzling. Are we to expect separate parades for the Navy, Air Force, and Marines? A truly national celebration should honor all branches of the military and the American people.
Trump has other ideas worth considering. The proposed National Garden of American Heroes—a sculpture garden featuring 250 statues of notable figures from American history—is, in theory, a laudable project. It would offer a place for Americans to reflect on the diverse contributions that have shaped the country. And the idea of building federal structures in a classic Greco-Roman style could lend dignity and permanence to our public spaces. History shows that great builders—from the Caesars to the pharaohs—have left lasting legacies, even if some were despots.
But the timing and focus of this parade are off. If we’re going to celebrate, let’s do it right: on July 4, 2026, with a parade that honors all Americans and all branches of the military. That’s a vision worth rallying around.
Editorial Board, The Birmingham Free Press