Reflections from a Soldier: Forced Parade Participation and Public Ceremonies

I have served in the military for over 11 years and, after all these years, I have never once enjoyed being in the public eye or participating in any ceremony that takes longer than five minutes. In my tenure, military personnel have always resented feeling like mere props, trotted out to stroke the ego of individuals or political figures like Donald Trump. This discontent is fueled by the notion that such displays are not genuine expressions of respect for the military.

Tracing back to a particular instance, Trump hosted a Salute to America parade, which brought together several thousand military members. However, I believe this was more of a spectacle designed to stroke his ego and enhance his public image rather than a genuine act of appreciation from the public. The event took these troops away from their families on a holiday, disrupting their plans to spend time with loved ones or engage in personal activities. The Fourth of July, typically a four-day holiday, was shortened for these soldiers due to the parade, which required their immediate participation.

Forced Participation: A Bitter Reality

During my service, military personnel are often told what to say, but the experience of being a part of forced public ceremonies is something that we, who do not have to be there, will remember. These soldiers give up a precious holiday, a chance to spend time with family and friends, or to engage in personal activities. Logistically, participating in such events requires meticulous coordination involving transportation, security, and various administrative tasks, leading to a significant disruption in their personal schedules.

A memorable instance during my time in the Navy involved a mission where the government decided to house Kosovo refugees in former basic training and troop barracks at Fort Dix, NJ, in 1999. The First Lady, Hillary Clinton, was flying in via one of the Air Force One jets, and a few active duty officers, including myself and another officer, were assigned to be escort officers for her and her chief of staff. We had to find sergeants who could drive transportation vans, figure out routes to the barracks, coordinate with DOD police, and ensure there were no MPs on the base. This was a no-notice mission that required us to stop what we were doing and immediately proceed to the post headquarters to receive instructions.

While the mission was a significant pain, it was also a great opportunity. However, such events often involve a lot of preparation, such as rehearsing the parade route, getting dressed, marching in the parade, returning to the staging area, and then back to the base. Alternatively, soldiers would rather be at a 4th of July party with a hot dog in one hand and a cold beer in the other, enjoying quality time with family and friends.

For many soldiers, participation in such public events feels like a compromise of their personal time and can lead to feelings of resentment. The mid-level officers, who may have to take part in such events, often remember that it was not a voluntary decision and may choose not to do so in the future, especially when they become more senior officers. In my experience, being forced to participate in such events can detract from a soldier’s sense of duty and can potentially impact their morale.

In conclusion, while military personnel often agree with the need for public recognition, we appreciate when such recognition is genuine and not just a spectacle designed to stroke political egos. The forced participation in public ceremonies can be a significant burden and can potentially harm the morale of military personnel who have dedicated so much of their lives to service.