アメリカで陸軍りくぐん創設そうせつ250年ねん記念きねんの軍事ぐんじパレードへ 混乱こんらんの懸念けねんも

The Trump administration in the United States will hold a large-scale military parade in the capital, Washington, on the 15th Japan time, to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the Army.

As it coincides with President Trumps 79th birthday, demonstrations protesting the Trump administration are being called for at over 2,000 locations across the United States, raising concerns about possible unrest.

The military parade is scheduled to begin at 7:30 a.m. Japan time on the 15th, starting near the Lincoln Memorial in the capital, Washington, and proceeding along the avenue to the south side of the White House, covering approximately 1...

It will take place over a distance of 4 kilometers.

American flags and banners celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Army are displayed along the roadside, and in some areas, fences about 2.5 meters tall have been set up, creating a strict security system.

Approximately 6,700 soldiers are expected to participate in the parade, and around 150 military vehicles, including the mainstay of the army, the Abrams tank, will be featured.

According to American media, this kind of large-scale military parade being held in the capital is the first time in 34 years since it was last held under the Bush administration in 1991 after the Gulf War.

On the other hand, the U.S. Army estimates that the cost of the parade could reach up to 45 million dollars, or about 6.5 billion yen, and there are also voices criticizing it as a waste of a large amount of funds and an abuse of political power.

On this day, which also marks President Trumps 79th birthday, demonstrations protesting the Trump administrations immigration raids continue in West Los Angeles. Meanwhile, protests under the slogan No Kings—opposing the Trump administration—are being called for at over 2,000 locations across the United States, raising concerns about possible unrest.

Around the parade venue, people are expressing their excitement. A woman visiting from Mississippi said, I think military parades are a good thing.

My child was in the Air Force.

I think parades like this should be held more often.

Because soldiers dedicate and risk their lives for our freedom, said a man from Florida, a veteran who plans to attend the parade that day. Many countries hold military parades, and I think its wonderful to show our support for our troops.

President Trumps decision to hold a parade is a good thing.

I think this will make everyone proud and deepen unity within the country, said a man who came with his family of four from California to watch the military parade. Im really looking forward to it because its a great way to celebrate the country, he said, but also added, with ongoing protests in Los Angeles in mind, There is a sense of tension, and I do have some doubts about the timing of the parade.

Its not necessarily that I want to celebrate President Trumps birthday, but rather that I want to celebrate the United States of America, the greatest country in the world. There are also opposing voices regarding this military parade, such as Its an abuse of power and Its a waste of money.

On the 10th of this month, about 200 people gathered in the capital, Washington, for a rally protesting President Trumps immigration policies and other issues.

Participants held placards with messages such as The Trump administration is dictatorial and raised their voices in protest against the mass crackdown on immigrants and the Trump administrations response to the situation in the Gaza Strip, Palestine.

As National Guard and Marines are being dispatched to calm the chaos in Los Angeles, an 18-year-old woman who attended a rally in Washington about the planned military parade said, I think its a terrible abuse of power.

However, for him, this has already become the norm. 20-year-old woman: It is unpleasant to use military power for President Trumps birthday parade.

The United States is not a country that revolves around Mr. Trump.

He is not a king, but a president.

The cost of the parade should be used for low-income people and those who need support, said a 26-year-old man. Connecting President Trumps political ideology with the military sends the wrong message, so I am against this military parade. Meanwhile, in Washington, on the 6th of this month, a rally was held demanding that the Trump administration not cut the budget for veterans, and many of the participating veterans voiced their opposition to the military parade.

A female veteran from Virginia: I think there are many ways to show respect for military personnel and veterans besides parades. A male veteran from North Carolina: President Trump himself has never served in the military.

I cant support wasting such a large amount of money on a parade. Public opinion poll: 40% in favor of holding a military parade, 29% opposed. According to a public opinion poll conducted by the University of Chicago and the Associated Press on over 1,100 people across the United States from the 5th to the 9th of this month, 40% are in favor of holding the military parade, while 29% are opposed.

Looking at party support, 67% of ruling Republican Party supporters responded that they are in favor, while only 20% of opposition Democratic Party supporters responded that they are in favor.

On the other hand, in response to the question, Do you think this is a good use of government funds?, 60% of all respondents answered No.

In addition, according to a public opinion poll conducted last month by the Public Religion Research Institute in the United States, 76% of respondents expressed opposition to holding a military parade with funding that could cost up to 45 million dollars, or approximately 6.5 billion yen.

Among Democratic Party supporters in particular, 93% are opposed, while even among Trump supporters, opinions are divided, with 46% in favor and 52% opposed.

The Aim of Military Parades Regarding the aim of military parades, James Carafano, who is in charge of foreign affairs and security at the conservative think tank The Heritage Foundation, which also has influence on the Trump administration, says, There are generally two purposes for military parades.

The first is to display the power and authority of military force and the regime.

The second is patriotism, to show pride and gratitude toward those who serve the country, he pointed out.

On top of that, This parade is not meant to threaten or intimidate anyone like in China, but to show that we are proud to serve America.

It is not directed at someone in the world, but rather at the American people, he said, expressing the view that President Trumps aim is not to display military power externally, but to praise the military domestically within the United States.

On the other hand, Allison McManus, who is in charge of security at the liberal think tank Center for American Progress, expressed the view that this is a means for Mr. Trump to present himself as a strong leader who can exercise military power exclusively.

On top of that, regarding the fact that chaos continues in Los Angeles and this is taking place amid rising tensions in the Middle East, The American people see the military as a symbol of safety and stability, but what they are witnessing now is chaos and instability.

There are concerns that military parades may amplify fears toward a president who behaves in a disorderly manner.

He also pointed out that large-scale military parades are often held in authoritarian countries like Russia, and stated, A parade held by President Trump on his birthday would evoke similarities to military dictators rather than democratic patriotism, expressing concern that it could damage the image of the United States as a democratic nation and undermine trust from other countries.

The U.S. military unveils military aircraft to be used in the parade Ahead of the military parade, on the 12th, the U.S. military opened up Andrews Air Force Base near Washington, D.C. to select media outlets, including NHK, emphasizing the significance of the parade.

Three types of military helicopters have been approved for filming, and among them, 16 Black Hawk military helicopters—known for their use in military operations in the Middle East and elsewhere—will fly in formation over Washington on the day of the military parade.

The female Black Hawk pilot told NHK in an interview that participating in the military parade was a very rare experience.

I was saying that since not many people can participate, I consider myself lucky to have been chosen.

In addition, permission was granted to photograph the attack helicopter Apache and the large transport helicopter Chinook, which are scheduled to participate in the military parade, and the pilots spoke to members of the media about their enthusiasm for taking part in this parade.

Lieutenant Colonel Patrick Husted, who is in charge of public relations for the U.S. Army, told NHK regarding this parade, It is extremely important for the Army.

Because it will be a celebration of 250 years of service and sacrifice to America.

It will be a wonderful event showcasing many armored vehicles, aircraft, and marching soldiers, he said, emphasizing its significance.

The parade celebrating the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States Army is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. local time on the 14th 7:30 a.m. Japan time on the 15th, and will take place over approximately 1,400 meters from the north side of the Lincoln Memorial, a famous tourist attraction, to the south side of the White House.

According to the army, about 150 vehicles including the main battle tank Abrams, around 50 aircraft such as the Black Hawk helicopter, and approximately 6,700 soldiers are scheduled to participate in the parade.

In addition to the appearance of the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System HIMARS, which the United States has provided to Ukraine under Russian invasion, a demonstration by paratroopers is also planned at the end of the parade.