Speak Your Piece: The big, beautiful birthday

Before we had a country, we had an Army. Thousands proudly watched a tremendous anniversary celebration and parade in the nation’s capital Saturday. Happy birthday, Army!

A little history: The Army was known as the Continental Army, our nation’s first national institution, established by resolution of the Continental Congress, June 14, 1775. The colonists called for “expert riflemen” from Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia, two companies from each, that would march to join an army of patriots in Boston. And then….

The huge event in Washington was in the planning stage for months, as a celebration of the United States Army which has distinguished itself in wartime and peacetime for 250 years. Critics of President Donald Trump, however, said it was too similar to military parades in foreign dictatorships — and he wanted to celebrate his own birthday. No comment. 

President Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance, their families, other military and civilian dignitaries, and thousands of onlookers watched today’s soldiers marching amid a display of armament from each historic period to today’s Army.  

Also proudly watching the parade from afar was my grandson, an Army Ranger captain, who is a direct descendent of a commissioned officer in the Pennsylvania company in 1775 that became the Continental Army.    

The parade was covered from the beginning to the colorful fireworks finale by Fox News but was virtually absent on the other major networks. No comment.   

Also on Saturday, there was a well-organized national Day of Resistance to the policies of President Trump, as observed in countless social media posts as well as local and national news coverage. The timing of the “resistance” was not coincidental and it was not peaceful everywhere. 

However, the U.S. Army anniversary celebration was peaceful — and inspiring. 

Pat Wandling hosts Speak Your Piece, from which this commentary is adapted, weekdays at noon on WBCB 1490.