2 days ago
SD veterans' thoughts on D.C. military parade
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) – This weekend, over 6,000 soldiers and 150 military vehicles are expected to gather near the National Mall for a parade to honor the 250th anniversary of the Army.
Army National Guard veteran, Jeremiah Fawcett in Sioux Falls says he'll be tuning in to watch.
'I think it's a good idea. Any time that we can enhance and take a look at our national security, I think that goes a long way,' Fawcett said.
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Nicole Ryan spent 21 years serving in the Air National Guard and thinks the parade may entice people to enlist.
'It'd be kind of cool for people who have no military background to see what's all involved in it. I think it would get a lot more people interested in possibly joining and realizing how much work they have put in to serve our country,' Ryan said.
The last notable military parade in Washington D.C. was in 1991 to celebrate the U.S. victory in the first Gulf War.
On Tuesday, president Donald Trump had this message for people planning to protest at the parade 'For those people who want to protest they are going to be met with very big force,' Trump said.
'It should be an exciting weekend, whether either for or against it. It's going to be something unique that South Dakota has and the state the union hasn't seen in a long time,' Military Heritage Alliance Executive Director, Brian Phelps the people at the Military Heritage Alliance are looking forward to watch.
'I think all in all, this country is still very supportive of our military. And like the alliance celebrating America and those who served,' Phelps said.
Saturday's parade will start at the National Mall and end near the White House and is estimated to cost upwards of $25 million.
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