JUNE 2025 – There was a lot to be relieved about following the US Army’s 250th Anniversary parade on June 14 – it turned out to be a relatively easy-going affair, no goose-stepping regiments to impress the wanna-be autocrat. And Washington Post columnist Max Boot, who attended the parade and provided man-on-the-curbside insights, seemed to capture the subtle resistance of the Army regulars, who didn’t give in to Trump’s desire to make it all about him. The headline – “I Was Worried About Trump’s Army Parade – Until I Saw It. For the Army, This Was Mission Accomplished.” It’s a good example of reporting – on relative deadline, no less – by a prominent columnist.
The 55-year-old Boot was born in Moscow and his Jewish family emigrated to the US when he was four years old. He’s long been established as one of the best public intellectuals on foreign policy, and though he labeled a conservative, he’s no fan of Trump and he’s a consistent defender of Western ideals and the rule of law. Aside from his perch at The Washington Post, Boot is also affiliated with The Council on Foreign Relations.
This June 15 column is a reminder that the best op-ed contributors don’t simply re-hash and react to old headlines – they go out and dig up their stories, like beat reporters, and deliver fresh and original information.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2025/06/15/military-parade-worth-watching-patriotism/