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Pentagon: Trump's July Fourth Celebration Cost Military at Least $1.2M

Reuters

   WASHINGTON - The Pentagon said on Tuesday that President Donald Trump's
   celebration of U.S. Independence Day, which included bringing tanks and
   equipment to Washington, cost the military at least $1.2 million.

   Two Bradley fighting vehicles flanked Trump during his July Fourth
   speech last week, in which he praised American military might despite
   having himself avoided the draft during the Vietnam War with bone spurs
   in his feet.

   Trump told stories about each military branch before separate, dramatic
   flyovers of their respective military aircraft.

   Trump, a Republican who was inspired to stage the flashy affair after
   seeing a similar display in France, dismissed concerns ahead of the
   ceremony about the expense and militaristic overtones of the event
   outside the 97-year-old Lincoln Memorial, a symbol of national unity.

   "The total cost of the Department's support to the 'Salute to America'
   event was $1.2 million," the Pentagon said in a statement.

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