Analysis: Military parade a political tug of war?

Selfless service is defined as doing your duty “without thought of recognition or gain.” It is why so many members of the military I have met over decades of covering conflict find the idea of a massive parade in their honor highly uncomfortable. After seeing France’s Bastille Day parade in July, President Donald Trump said “It was one of the greatest parades I’ve ever seen” referring to the annual parade which features tanks down the Champs Elysees, formations of fighter jets and more than 8000 soldiers. “We’re going to have to try and top it,” Trump added.