35 Active And Retired US Soldiers Are Revealing Their Brutally Honest Thoughts On Trump's Parade, And I'm Kinda Shocked By Their Replies
By now, you're probably aware that on Saturday, the Trump administration held a festival and parade for the Army's 250th anniversary — an event that also coincided with Donald Trump's 79th birthday. The celebration featured 6,600 troops, 150 military vehicles, and more than 50 aircraft. While the official cost was not disclosed, the Army estimated the event's expenses to fall between $25 million and $45 million.
From the No Kings protests held across the country on the same day, to many critics voicing their thoughts on the event online, there's been no shortage of opinion on the whole affair. Because the parade was ultimately to be in service of the Army, we asked military members, both active and retired, to share what they thought of the day.
Hundreds of US military members and veterans chimed in — here's what they had to say:
1."Former US Army here, '82–'86. Trump is the greatest threat this nation has ever faced."
—edgycat84
2."Marine vet, '07–'16. It is disgraceful that Trump used the military to boost his little ego. A man who has never lifted a finger to help anyone in his life just wasted millions of dollars to have his own little parade. I would have taken a third non-judicial punishment (NJP) for refusing to march in that parade with a smile on my face."
—surprisedturtle814
3."Horrid. Embarrassing. Complete waste of money."
—Anonymous 63-year-old US Army veteran
4."Disabled veteran here. I work with homeless veterans providing substance abuse and mental health assistance. I come from a long line of veterans, enlisted and officers in all four branches, and my kid is currently serving in the National Guard. That parade the orange fool put on was a disgrace. He is a draft dodger, a criminal, a racist, and a sexist pariah."
"That was NOT put on as a celebration for the Army's birthday, and anyone who tricks themselves into believing that is choosing delusion. This is not the America that I or any family member sacrificed and fought for. It's disheartening that my kid has to serve under this abomination of a 'commander in chief.' By the way, I was proudly at the #NoKings protest that day."
—Anonymous 42-year-old US Navy veteran
5."I am a retired senior non-commissioned officer (NCO) with just over 20 years of service. This parade should never have happened. This was a vanity show for Trump. We are not North Korea, China, or Russia. We generally have national parades at the conclusion of major victories (though that is not always the case) and not at the whim of a 'dear leader.' Right now, our soldiers need the barracks renovated. I have a son serving in the Army right now, and he tells me about the serious shortcomings of the dining facilities."
"Some days, there are no facilities open at all, and single soldiers who live in the barracks now have to go to the fast-food joints on post or off. This would have been unspeakable in my day. I think of all that money wasted on this parade that could have gone to fixing just these two basic issues. Not to mention the time these soldiers had to spend away from their duty stations and their families just to placate someone who has never served and actively avoided military service. He also called those who fell in battle 'suckers' and 'losers.' It's disgusting and disrespectful to kowtow to his selfish behavior."
—Anonymous 62-year-old US Army veteran
6."Being a 25-year Navy veteran, I'm shocked and disgusted by the blatant waste of taxpayers' money. Where is the rest of our so-called government?"
—goldenpear9732
7."Air Force vet here, and I am constantly reminded that our oaths are to the Constitution, not the president. It is, in fact, our duty to refuse orders that go against it."
–JadeFishes
8."I served 22 years and had to march in parades for Veterans Day. In those instances, it was meaningful because the crowd was there to thank us for our service. When we showed up, we were treated well, and the crowd appreciated us showing up. NO POLITICAL PURPOSE AT ALL. Had this president EVER served or at the very least shown respect to veterans like John McCain and medal of honor recipients, maybe it wouldn't piss us vets off."
"But here we are, marching for a person who has been more disrespectful to veterans than any other president in the history of this country. Far worse, disregarding the Constitution, we swear an oath to 'protect and defend against ALL enemies, foreign and domestic.' And to say it's for the Army's birthday and not his birthday is a farce. Armed Forces Day is celebrated on the third Saturday in May and recognizes the collective strength and contributions of all five branches. That would make more sense."
—Anonymous 44-year-old US Air Force veteran
9."Marine Afghanistan veteran, '06–'13. As I have stated before, if it were really 'about the troops,' the Marines should be having their birthday parade around Nov. 10, [the United States Marine Corps birthday]. But we won't, because everything he has done since announcing he'd run 10 years ago has been about no one but him. He's a selfish, arrogant, stupid embarrassment of a commander in chief. That f**kface doesn't know shit about sacrifice. Duty. Honor. Integrity. If you think he ever gave a shit about veterans, your head has been up your ass."
—jmoney1217
10."I am very hurt by all the negative comments. Who cares that it's the orange man's birthday? That was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I am currently serving in the Army close enough to DC that I would've gone. I didn't because my police officer husband got called into work to deal with the protests, and I didn't feel safe taking my toddler to the area. I am so upset that I missed out on that celebration because people are upset."
—heroiclight396
Related: Well, Well, Well, For The Second Time In 2 Weeks, People Are Letting JD Vance Know EXACTLY How They Feel About Him In Public
11."I feel for those soldiers who were caught between a rock and a hard place. On one hand, it's their duty to obey orders. On the other hand, they fully knew they were there to pump up the ego of the tiny man who has nothing but disdain for them, and is on the record for calling their fallen brothers 'losers.'"
—Anonymous US Navy member
12."This week has been tough for me, as a Guard member from the 1990s. I never deployed overseas, but was activated a half dozen times to help my fellow New Yorkers during times of need, and I was one of the first ones deployed for the TWA 800 crash. Seeing fellow National Guardsmen sent into California, and then made to throw a vanity birthday parade for somebody who did everything he could to avoid ever wearing a uniform? It just plain hurts me to my core to see somebody who's insulted soldiers so openly just continue to use them like this for his self-promotion and vanity."
—Anonymous 49-year-old US Army National Guard veteran
13."Having a convicted felon as commander in chief holding a parade of self aggrandizement is beyond dishonoring veterans and active duty service men and women…it's vanity porn."
—zeke1967
14."I would NEVER be a part of anything this administration does. I am so glad that I got out of the military at the beginning of the first Trump administration. This is not what the Army stands for. Nothing this administration does is for freedom of any kind. It's all driven by selfish billionaire interest."
—Anonymous 37-year-old US Army veteran
15."It's a disgraceful attempt to boost a wannabe authoritarian's ego. I'd much rather see my tax dollars go toward programs that help existing military, disabled veterans, and their families."
—Anonymous 59-year-old US Navy veteran
16."I am a former Naval officer of 10 years and a Gulf War veteran. I don't care what party is in office, our service members are not trained monkeys to perform for someone's ego trip. I'm also insulted every time I see a politician rendering a salute when they are not veterans. This is especially true when the president is a draft dodger. The money spent on the ego trip should have been sent to the Veterans Administration and active duty welfare programs."
—Anonymous 58-year-old US Navy veteran
Related: "Let Them Eat Teslas": People At The "No Kings" Protests This Weekend Brought Signs That Were So Clever I'm Still Laughing About Them
17."Dumbest thing ever. We have so many homeless vets and the VA is facing major cuts."
"I had something growing on my arm a few years ago and went to the VA to get it checked out. After multiple tests. Nothing. A doctor pulled me aside and gave me the info for another doctor not associated with the VA. Turns out it was a rare form of skin cancer. Had surgery to remove it, and skin grafts were done. I was finally cancer-free after a few months. After all this, I get a call from the VA asking if I ever found out what was happening with the growth. I don't blame them 'cause they have no funding. This money could've been used for better."
—Anonymous US Marine veteran
18."As a veteran, I've marched in parades before, proudly. Never have I marched in one to honor someone who openly disrespects me (the military and veterans), and wasted so much money on such a massive ego trip, which was ultimately a flop. Maybe some of those soldiers were proud to march, but it did not appear that way. No 'nine to the front and six to the rear' in sight. They were just walking."
—ginnyjensen
19."As an Air Force veteran (9+ years active duty), I considered it a privilege to serve President Reagan in any direct capacity. My heavy-lift helicopter unit in West Germany supported his visits to the European Economic Summits in the '80s. And we were extremely proud to support him in any way, not just because he was the commander in chief, but because he respected all service members and their sacrifices for our country. While we never participated in any kind of parade, we knew he cared about us."
"I can completely understand the lack of enthusiasm from the participants in Trump's 'birthday parade,' as he has shown not only a lack of respect for the military in general, but also disdain and contempt for veterans. To get respect (from the military), you must show (to the military) respect. Donald Trump respects no one. And nothing. He got what he deserved: humiliation."
—crunchyowl271
20."I thought it was a fantastic, heartfelt tribute to the US Army on their 250th birthday. After being a Vietnam area vet, being in uniform during the polarized '70s, and being disrespected by my friends and just people on the street, seeing this type of recognition and support for the military helped me heal old wounds. I see no politics here. Can't we just respect those who serve without always 'picking sides'?"
—Anonymous 67-year-old US Navy Veteran
21."We do not have to have a parade to celebrate our military might. We do that every time we show up on the battlefield to defend our rights and our freedoms."
—lazyking123
22."Definitely was embarrassed by the whole affair. Poor attendance, poor parade, and very unimpressive to all the watchers. I was at the 2015 Beijing parade celebrating the end of WWII and saw a well-organized, precision review of infantry and mechanized performers. Not like what I saw Saturday."
—Anonymous 99-year-old US Army Veteran
23."It is absolutely disgusting for a man whose rich daddy protected him from the draft to throw himself a military birthday parade. It really underscores the complete lack of respect he has already shown to armed services members, current and former. That money would have been much better served by programs for veterans and active duty members. It's like these MAGAts I see who have military or police stickers on their cars or emblems on their shirts who have never served a day and likely never will."
"They speak racial and LGBTQ hatred, and consider themselves to be patriots. They're more like parrots! The pledge of allegiance literally has the words, 'Liberty and Justice for ALL,' not just those whose skin color, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or gender identity you agree with. I took an oath to the Constitution; Trump constantly violates it. He needs to be impeached! I'm glad that there was such a poor turnout for his pathetic parade, while there were massive turnouts for the No Kings protests."
—Anonymous 53-year-old US Army veteran
24."I didn't see the parade live, but saw the highlights on the news and other media outlets. I felt worse for my fellow service members than anything else. People who support this type of nonsense don't realize that places like North Korea can do their synchronous march because they are NOT in the field war-gaming and preparing to defend the nation at a moment's notice. You don't become the world's best fighting force by doing drills and marching all day, every day."
"This was a waste of OUR taxpayer funds and a waste of the time the soldiers could have used sharpening their war-fighting skills. This is what we get, though, when we have someone like Corporal Bone-Spurs and Captain Oblivious at the helm of our military. Give me Sleepy Joe over Sloppy Don any day! At least Ol' Joe did not waste our tax money on this type of nonsense. One thing I am thankful for is that this spectacle and debacle did not besmirch my beloved Corps."
—Anonymous 52-year-old US Marine veteran
25."I served when our adversary was the Soviet Union. After hearing his praise of Vladimir Putin, I think that our present adversary may be Donald Trump."
—Anonymous 80-year-old US Air Force veteran
26."I was an Army photographer, discharged general, upgraded to honorable six months after discharge, and covered countless ceremonies, training events, and missions. Honestly, most ceremonies I'd cover, I'd have to weed out photos because people would like to flip the photographer off; mostly fun, or being disgruntled, but no active duty likes marching, especially if it's humid. It's not a lack of discipline or a political statement; it's just boring, and on a Saturday to celebrate the Army's birthday, there are more fun ways of doing that."
"Only thing I'd say, which doesn't surprise me, is that our higher-ups actually went along with it. Pull their service records. They probably have a silver star for literally showing up for deployment, while some enlisted soldier had to save their entire platoon while being shot multiple times, then dying of their wounds to have their family get the silver star six years after their death. Those soldiers showed discipline and honor, just not to bad leaders."
—savoryscissors501
27."It was the 250th anniversary of the US Army's founding, and I'm reflecting on the dedication and service of its members. While parades weren't my favorite part of my time in uniform, I understand their significance. It's important to look beyond political divides and truly appreciate the commitment of the men and women who serve in our military."
—Anonymous 46-year-old US Army veteran
28."I believe that it was a great idea to honor the Army with a parade to celebrate 250 years of service to our country. However, to honor a birthday for one of the worst leaders that this country has ever had at the same ceremony was a disgrace to all past and present service members. I served 22 years in the USAF and retired now. I am grateful that I do not have to serve under the current president, who clearly does not understand democracy and wants to turn this country into a monarchy so he can be a king."
—chillporcupine906
29."Fourteen-year Army veteran here. I thought having a military parade in the same vein as the ones dictators hold in their honor was absolutely disgusting. Honoring a draft-dodging wannabe king is a dishonor to all who have served honorably and are still serving. Amidst all of the firings of veterans in the name of 'government efficiency' is a slap to the faces of all that have lost their livelihoods."
—icylatte763
30."I served 24 years in the USAF. During that, I had four tours in Southeast Asia. I flew (flight engineer) 867 combat missions during those four tours. I do not think I can ever explain my utter disgust for Donald Trump. It appears he sees everything through a prism that seems to multiply everything he sees. If a group of 100 people attends one of his rallies, his mind sees 10,000 people. He relishes being in the spotlight. I will never accept his disdain/disrespect for the US military, be it active duty, retired, or former military personnel."
"Having said that, unless the Democrats or the Republicans promote and endorse a centrist candidate for president, we will be saddled with the likes of Herr Trump, JD Vance, Rep. Mike Johnson, and any of the MAGA crowd. As long as the Democrats support progressive policies and candidates, they will never take back control of Congress and the presidency."
—edgycadet757
31."I was drafted into the Army in April 1966 and landed in Vietnam in December. I eventually served in the Infantry as an NCO (non-commissioned officer). While in Vietnam, I had to march in a parade in Saigon for the Vietnamese president. No one in the unit was happy about that, but we knew we had to do that. I served in an honor guard unit upon my return to the United States. We felt honored to help families through their grief, but marching in parades or for dignitaries was a chore."
"Trump's 'parade' was an embarrassment and totally unnecessary money that could have been spent on salary increases for the troops."
—Anonymous, 79-year-old US Army veteran
32."I loved it. It's sad to see people getting caught up in anti-Trumpism. It'd be nice if people would respect the country that gives them freedom, along with the very few who serve."
—dizzysalt785
33."Former Marine, Vietnam vet. I think it was a total waste of money and our military's time to feed his ego. I also note his habit of the big 'pout' in meetings if he doesn't get his way. He really has no business being in the White House. We need an adult there, not a man-child."
—youngcloud79
34."I'm a second-generation career soldier and retiree. Pops served 26 years, fought in Korea and Vietnam, while I served 22 years. I am most definitely proud of my service and the US Army; however, most soldiers who aren't assigned to the 'Old Guard' do not relish drill and ceremonies and, given a choice, would rather do almost anything else."
"They showed up but were not very enthusiastic unless riding on a vehicle. Contrary to popular belief, we rarely march unless it's a school setting or just before the order for double time at PT (physical training). The pretense was honorific, but the POTUS just wanted a parade for show. Sad and unnecessary!!!"
—glitteryeggplant955
35.And lastly: "This president has shown a complete lack of respect for our military — deceased, retired, veteran, and active duty. His purging of the general ranks early in this term in his presidency showed that he has no regard for the professional military; he only wants persons who will be loyal to him rather than loyal to the Constitution that they swore to protect and defend."
"Now, he is using the Army as props to satisfy his ego and need to feel powerful. It's a shameless/shameful display of narcissism that has no bounds. His actions make the US appear weak rather than strong, and he becomes more of an embarrassment to our country day by day."
—Anonymous 66-year-old US Air Force veteran
36.If you're a US military member or a veteran, how has serving under President Trump felt different compared to other administrations? Let us know in the comments or by using this anonymous form.
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