Should there be a victory parade for the military?

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Read the full story here http://www.drudgereport.com/parade.htm

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BUSH CIRCLE DEBATES WHETHER TO HOLD IRAQ VICTORY PARADE FOR MILITARY

As President Bush visited the nation's largest military base Sunday to attend Easter church services and meet with two helicopter pilots who were held as prisoners of war in Iraq -- a split has developed among White House advisers over whether to hold an official victory parade for the nation's military, the DRUDGE REPORT has learned.

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The president is said to favor heavily incorporating specific Iraq-war military salutes with Washington DC's official Fourth of July festivities, insiders reveal.

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While insiders caution the president has not made any final decision, key Bush advisers have suggested a high-profile parade for war heroes -- to be held in the nation's capital, or New York City, or both.

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"Listen, it's different this time. The war on terrorism is not over... [it is] ongoing," said one White House source, who asked not to be named.

"It may be prudent to hold off on declaring victory with a major parade, this war [on terrorism] is continuing."

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I think I would feel the same revulsion watching a victory parade as I did when watching the people dance in celebration of the towers falling.

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bfn

The prime minister is planning some sort of parade of returning troops here in Australia, too. The idea makes me quite uncomfortable, as I don't see the war in Iraq & its consequences as something to celebrate.
I guess, too, there's an element of not wanting to treat the returning soldiers badly, as the Vietnam vets were.

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Ooh boy, I'm torn. I agree with msolga about the element of supporting the troops, and think that is a valid element. These people did put their lives on the line, did do their jobs well (with some exceptions), did make personal sacrifices large and small. So a part of me agrees that all of that should be acknowledged.

But yeah, I really worry about the message, and general appropriateness.

Hmm. Will think on this more.

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sozobe

Yes, I'm relieved as the next person that our (Oz) troops will be returning home safely AND that they will not be treated in the terrible way that the Vietnam veterans were ...
But, but .. to me, a "victory parade" implies a celebration of victory over an "enemy". Surely that was not the point of the exercise? According to our leaders, it was a "liberation" of the Iraqi people from a repressive regime, not an exercise in conquering that country. So is it appropriate to celebrate a victory?
I certainly don't see the "collateral damage" (frightful term! Shocked

) to the many Iraqi civilians as something to be celebrated.

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Yeah. I was thinking of possible terminology changes, but no, that would never work. A victory parade is a victory parade is a victory parade no matter how they try to tweak it.

Hmmm.

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Whether you think it's appropriate or not, there will be revelry and celebration galore over our great "victory".

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Bush might actually have the best idea. Incorporate an acknowledgment of the soldiers fighting for freedoms into the Independence Day festivities but don't call it a victory parade. There is always an ongoing battle to be fought over freedom for the individual whether it is in Iraq or America.

He may be reluctant to do so, however, since Iraq isn't necessarily independent at this time.

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Butrflynet<

Victory parade for soldiers?

Those from the United States haven't had any victories lately, especially in their recent skirmish with Iraq.

If we want an "old-fashioned" July 4th Patriotic Rally which features several hundred (or more) soldiers marching through major streets across the country, then that might be appropriate.

FOXnews, you can be certain, would cover this rally with "real journalism, fair and balanced." Too bad they didn't have a "real war" to cover.

Rolling Eyes

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I personally don't think it's a good idea. I can see welcoming the troops back with open arms, but a parade would be rubbing it in.

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Should there be a victory parade for the military?

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