I’ve never liked parades. 

Even growing up, they struck me as boring and kind of corny. How many fire trucks and floats does one need to see rolling down the street at a snail’s pace?

But a lot of people do enjoy them, and they can be a good way of bringing communities, large and small, together. 

Parades have dominated the headlines of late because President Donald Trump is holding one to celebrate the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary. The spectacle, which will feature tanks and soldiers, among other displays of our country’s military might, will take place June 14 in our nation’s capital. 

The date also happens to be Trump’s 79th birthday. 

In a video previewing the parade, he invited Americans to attend the “unforgettable celebration," calling it – in Trump fashion – “one like you’ve never seen before.”

“For two and a half centuries, the men and women of America’s Army have dominated our enemies and protected our freedom at home,” the president said. “This parade salutes our soldiers’ remarkable strength and unbeatable spirit. You won’t want to miss it. Just don’t miss this one. It’s going to be good.”

That all sounds quite patriotic to me, and it’s in line with Trump’s longstanding desire to properly mark the country’s 250th birthday in 2026.

In his first term,........

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