In response to President Trump’s planned military parade in the District of Columbia on June 14, 2025, which also happens to be his 79th birthday along with the Army’s 250th birthday, the Democrats Abroad Global Veterans and Military Families (VMF) Caucus provided the following response on behalf of its members.
VMF Vice Chair Kee Evans (a New Mexico voter in Guatemala) stated, “June 14 is also Flag Day. This was the day in 1777 that the Continental Congress adopted the “Stars and Stripes” as the national flag, and in1949 Congress officially designated June 14 a national day of observance for Flag Day. For President Trump to usurp this day to celebrate his birthday is disrespectful to the United States, our flag and the thousands of men and women who have served in the Army for the past 250 years. I urge everyone to celebrate the Army’s 250th birthday, Flag Day and not President Trump’s birthday. Attend the Unite 4 Veterans rally on June 6, and also show your support on June 14 in ways that show respect for our flag and our Army.”
As part of the president’s first term in office, he made a similar proposal for a military parade which was ultimately withdrawn due to a price tag of nearly $100 million. This year’s parade is scheduled to include over 6,600 soldiers, 50 helicopters, a concert stage, fireworks, and several dozens of heavy military machinery.
Michael Ramos, the VMF Chair (and an Illinois voter in Australia), added his thoughts: “Whatever this will end up costing in taxpayer dollars, it’s nothing short of a national disgrace that Mr. Trump isn’t instead rehiring the veterans he fired across the federal government and rehiring the VA’s employees that he insisted on senselessly cutting. I sincerely hope everyone does indeed go down to the National Mall this June – but instead on June 6th at the ‘Unite 4 Veterans’ rally to protest the countless destructive actions this Administration has taken against the military-connected community, not for his Birthday Propaganda Parade.”
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U.S. citizens living abroad, both civilian and military, are highly encouraged to check your voter registration status and request your ballot for any upcoming elections in your home voting state that you are eligible to vote in.
The VMF Caucus, proudly consisting of veterans, military family members, and strong allies of veterans and military family causes, has a membership of approximately 1,340 members located in dozens of countries.
For questions pertaining to this statement, please reach out to