1. United States
2. Va.
3. Letter

The upcoming military parade celebrating the US Army's 250th anniversary on President Trump's birthday raises concerns about the appropriate use of taxpayer funds. While honoring the Army's legacy is commendable, staging such an extravagant event that coincides with the President's personal milestone appears more self-serving than a sincere tribute to the troops. The estimated cost of tens of millions of dollars for this display, involving 6,600 soldiers, 150 vehicles, and 50 helicopters, seems excessive and misaligned with priorities, especially amidst recent federal budget cuts impacting defense personnel and programs. Rather than an elaborate parade replete with tanks and aircraft, a more modest, cost-effective commemoration would better honor the Army's quartercentury heritage while being fiscally responsible with public funds intended for national defense. A reevaluation of plans focusing on core military interests over political grandstanding would be a prudent course of action.