Salute

 I had mixed feelings about the parade that was planned for today.  I guess, deep down, I don't think we need to be showing off our military might.  But, I thought it only fair to watch it if I was going criticize it.  

I was pleasantly surprised.  While President Trump was wished a happy birthday and there was some speech making (very minimal) the whole event was truly a salute to the US Army which is 250 years old this year.  It was formed on June 14, 1775, a year before we became a nation. Without that first army we wouldn't be a nation.   Interesting side note - June 14 wasn't designated as Flag Day until 1949. I thought it appropriate that this parade was on Flag Day not July 4.  We'll save that big celebration for next year when our country turns 250 years old. 

The parade involved historic reenactors in uniforms of US Army soldiers from historic times to the present.  There was lots of good patriotic music (especially at the end with the fireworks) which I love.

As I watched the whole event I was proud to think of the people in my family who have served in the army, starting with good old Phillip Von Steinmetz who (the family story goes) had to escape Germany after killing the king's deer.  He got here just in time for the American Revolution, survived it, married and fathered ten children.  I thought I would throw that in since tomorrow is Father's Day. 

Other members of my family who have served in the Army (or Air Force, which was originally part of the Army) include my father, my first husband, my daughter, my son-in-law, my older brother, my west coast brother, my first father-in-law and my brother-in-law. I salute them all.