https://www.msn.com/en-us/news...fxM?ocid=socialshare

Pope Leo XIV has helped sell out a stadium show in Chicago with a promised virtual appearance—scheduled for the same day as a major military parade in Washington, D.C.

Within the first 15 minutes of ticket availability, more than 9,000 people requested seats for the Chicago gathering. By the end of the first day, that number had climbed to 20,000. As of Friday, the $5 tickets were completely sold out. The event will be streamed live online, although CatholicTV has not confirmed whether it will air the broadcast.

Why It Matters
Pope Leo's expected involvement in the Chicago event, which will be streamed online, will draw huge interest and will divide some attention away from the Trump-backed military parade the same day, the president's birthday.

(See more in the article linked)

https://www.salon.com/2018/02/...d-honor-on-its-head/

Trump’s big parade turns military tradition and honor on its head
Toy soldiers and toy tanks on Pennsylvania Avenue will make him look like a tin pot dictator

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https://www.snopes.com/fact-ch...er-military-parades/

Did Dwight Eisenhower Reject the Idea of 'Soviet-Style' Military Parades?
A meme intended to undermine President Trump's call for a military parade quotes general-turned-president Dwight Eisenhower on the subject.

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AI Overview
Military parades have been used by dictators and authoritarians throughout history for several key purposes: demonstrating power, promoting national pride, and consolidating authority. They serve as a powerful tool for projecting an image of strength and dominance, suppressing dissent, and solidifying control over the populace.

Elaboration:

Display of Power:
Parades showcase military might, equipment, and disciplined troops, conveying an impression of strength and capability to both domestic and international audiences. This can deter potential opposition and intimidate rivals.

Propaganda and National Unity:
Military parades are often used to instill nationalistic fervor and a sense of shared identity. The spectacle of a unified military can create a collective experience that reinforces the leader's authority and promotes unwavering allegiance to the regime.

Suppressing Dissent:
The presence of a large and well-organized military can serve as a warning to potential dissidents. The sheer scale of the parade and the visible display of power can be intimidating, discouraging opposition and reinforcing the idea that dissent is futile.

Reinforcing Authority:
By staging parades in public spaces and showcasing the leader's control over the military, dictators can reinforce their image as the ultimate authority. This can help to legitimize their rule and consolidate their power.

Historical Context:
Ancient Roman triumphal processions, which featured the victorious general and their army, demonstrated military prowess and showcased the fruits of conquest. Modern dictators have often emulated these ancient traditions to legitimize their own rule.

Funny how it's trumps birthday, no mention of it being the 250'th anniversary of the creation of the US Army, even mentioned.
In case you cant do math, 250 yrs is older that trump.
I can feel a sense of pride in that anniversary, couldnt care less about the birthday part. Dont care about the pope either, as far as that goes!