1. United States
2. Ariz.
3. Letter

The planned military parade slated for June 14th to celebrate the Army's 250th anniversary raises significant concerns over the misuse of taxpayer funds and the potential damage to Washington D.C.'s streets from the movement of heavy military vehicles. Estimates suggest the event could cost between $25 million and $45 million, a staggering amount that contradicts the administration's purported commitment to fiscal responsibility and reducing wasteful spending. Furthermore, the involvement of 25 M1 Abrams main battle tanks, each weighing 60 tons or more, poses a severe risk to the city's infrastructure. To mitigate this, the Army plans to place large metal plates at key points along the parade route, a measure that may not fully protect the streets from the immense weight and movements of these armored vehicles. The potential costs of repairing any damage caused should be factored into the overall expense of this event. While honoring the brave men and women who have served in the armed forces is commendable, the extravagance and excessive militarization of this parade raise questions about its true purpose. It appears to be an indulgence that primarily serves to gratify personal desires rather than a sincere celebration of the Army's history and sacrifices. In light of these concerns, I implore you to reconsider the scale and necessity of this parade. The significant financial burden it imposes on taxpayers, coupled with the potential for infrastructure damage, outweighs any perceived benefits. Redirecting these resources towards more pressing national priorities would be a more judicious use of public funds and a better reflection of the nation's values.