1. United States
2. Colo.
3. Letter

This military parade is being portrayed as a celebration of the US Army's 250th anniversary, but it seems to be more about aggrandizing President Trump's ego than honoring the troops. The excessive display of tanks, missiles, and combat vehicles feels excessive and reminiscent of authoritarian regimes. While recognizing military accomplishments is reasonable, turning it into a spectacle glorifying one individual is concerning. I urge you to reconsider allowing this over-the-top parade to proceed as planned. The exorbitant costs of moving and displaying this heavy equipment, along with other logistical burdens on Washington D.C., do not seem justified for what amounts to a vanity project on the president's birthday. The armed forces deserve recognition, but not to be exploited as set dressing for Trump's self-glorification. As elected representatives, you have a responsibility to spend taxpayer funds judiciously and ensure government activities uphold democratic principles – this parade crosses a line. Please intervene to scale back or cancel these plans in favor of a more modest, appropriate commemorative event.