Army leaders defended spending up to $45 million on a parade celebrating the branch’s 250th birthday, arguing that it will aid in recruitment efforts. U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal questioned the appropriateness of the parade’s cost amid 8% budget cuts faced by military services.
Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll stated that the parade will empower an entire new generation of America’s youth to catch the spirit to serve their nation.
Rep. Derrick Van Orden claimed that “you cannot put a price tag on patriotism” to support the parade spending.
