I spent about five years in the military. During that time we had a formation nearly every morning. We also marched in formation every time we had a Regimental run or a change of command ceremony. Before each ceremony, we would have platoon walk-throughs, company and squadron rehearsals, and would practice practicing each Regimental or post change of command.
During one mid-summer installation change of command in the Mojave Desert, I recall the loud thwacks of soldiers’ heads hitting the tarmac once every 15 minutes or so from heat exhaustion, as the incoming general droned on about taking care of soldiers.
Suffice it to say, I hate parades.
Imagine my dismay when I learned that a recent Harvard study found that children who attend July 4th celebrations are more likely to identify themselves as Republican later in life. Continue reading
