On Wednesday, a movement was started by hysterical leftists terrified of a prospective military parade suggested by President Trump. The leftists boasted they would lie down in front of any tanks if such a parade were held:
In a Facebook video, Menconi insisted, “We would go to Washington, D.C., if such a crazy and insane act occurred and we would lay down in front of the tanks, just like the heroes and the courageous students did in China in 1989.”
Two problems: students did not lie down in front of tanks in Tiananmen Square in 1989; one protester stood in front of a tank during the protest, then climbed up onto the turret of the lead tank to speak to the soldiers inside. After he returned to his position in front of the tanks, he was pulled aside by a group of people.
Additionally, the protesters in China were fighting against the repressive Communist government that cracked down on free speech and freedom of the press.
The Washington Post reported on Tuesday that a January 18 meeting between Trump and top generals in the Pentagon’s tank elicited Trump’s desire for a military parade. One military official privy to the conversation reported, “The marching orders were: I want a parade like the one in France. This is being worked at the highest levels of the military.” A White House official said the discussion was only “brainstorming,” adding, “Right now, there’s really no meat on the bones.”
White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders later issued a statement confirming that plans were underway, asserting, “President Trump is incredibly supportive of America’s great service members who risk their lives every day to keep our country safe. He has asked the Department of Defense to explore a celebration at which all Americans can show their appreciation.” The Pentagon confirmed that a plan for a parade was being discussed.
Trump told the Post before his inauguration, “We’re going to show the people as we build up our military. … That military may come marching down Pennsylvania Avenue. That military may be flying over New York City and Washington, D.C., for parades. I mean, we’re going to be showing our military.”
The last military parade the government held was in June 1991, when victorious troops from the Persian Gulf war were welcomed home with a parade.