To support my mission of defending democracy through independent journalism, please consider becoming a paid subscriber. Your support keeps Topic Nomad sustainable—and free for those who need it most. Prefer direct support? Venmo me anytime at @TopicNomad
As a veteran who retired just last year, I’ve seen firsthand what matters—and what doesn’t. This $25–45 million military parade, timed for Trump’s birthday and billed as the Army’s 250th, is exactly the kind of spectacle most uniformed service members despise.
Recent polling shows that nearly 70% of Americans—including many veterans—oppose it, citing it as a gross misuse of resources while barracks rot and military families struggle to get childcare or basic repairs.
“It feels gross,” said one veteran, speaking to TIME Magazine about the event. — TIME, June 2025
🏩️ Broken Barracks, Moldy Realities
We have families living on base surrounded by black mold, with grass growing through their carpets. That’s not hyperbole.
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) reported that barracks on every inspected base had widespread mold, roaches, broken plumbing, and HVAC failures.
While some centers received fee adjustments, most families—especially E4 to E6—still can’t get care, even if both parents are serving.
💸 Budget Cuts... But Not for Parades?
Let’s talk numbers.
The fiscal year runs October to October. By June this year, units are already bleeding funds.
Yet somehow, there’s money for a massive, centralized parade with:
Flyovers
Street closures
Hotel rooms
Aircraft fuel
Security
Marching bands and staging logistics
Meanwhile:
Airmen are being sent on TDY and not reimbursed for weeks, forcing some into debt.
The Army diverted $1 billion away from base housing and readiness funds to pay for southern border missions—some of which helped make this parade happen.
“This is not just offensive—it’s strategically irresponsible.” — Rep. Jason Crow (D-CO), former Army Ranger — AP, June 2025
🧂 The Salt in the Wound: We Qualify for WIC
Let’s not forget that an E5 with two kids still qualifies for WIC in most states.
According to a 2023 Government Accountability Office report, food insecurity affects 1 in 4 active-duty enlisted families. — GAO Military Hunger Report
We’ve got families skipping meals, skipping care, and skipping rent—just to serve. And yet, somehow, this magical fantasy parade gets funded?
It’s a slap in the face.
🎂 What About the Army’s Actual Birthday?
Every base celebrates the Army’s founding. We’ve done it for 250 years.
It’s usually:
A ceremonial run
A flag folding
A cake at the DFAC
Maybe a BBQ or a concert
It’s for the troops. This parade? It’s for Trump. It’s a political stunt. And the military brass know it.
“It’s disgusting. We’re celebrating while our barracks are falling apart.” — Army NCO, Fort Liberty — Military Times, June 2025
🧠 Final Thought
If you're angry, you’re not alone. Veterans and active-duty members across forums like AF/AMN/NCO Facebook are sounding off too.
Because we remember what it’s really like:
Working 12s with no heat or AC
Deploying while in debt
Hoping our TDY pay actually shows up
Missing birthdays, holidays, and milestones
Getting told “do more with less” while leaders do less with more
So no. This parade doesn’t honor us. It insults us.
Thanks for reading! This post is public so feel free to share it.
To support my mission of defending democracy through independent journalism, please consider becoming a paid subscriber. Your support keeps Topic Nomad sustainable—and free for those who need it most. Prefer direct support? Venmo me anytime at @TopicNomad
