US Army warns not to panic ahead of July 4 celebration

By Umar Farooq

WASHINGTON (AA) - The arrival of a small number of tanks on Wednesday ahead of President Donald Trump's norm-breaking July 4th celebration prompts a U.S. Army official to tell residents not to panic if they see tanks moving through their neighborhoods.

Army Col. Sunset Belinsky told a local CBS News affiliate that residents in Washington "will see the vehicles move through their neighborhoods, but should not panic".

Two Bradley military tanks were moved from a rail yard to the National Mall late Tuesday, and another two M1 Abrams tanks will reportedly be transported there later in the day.

In addition to tanks being moved to the capital, Trump's Independence Day celebration on Thursday, dubbed "Salute to America", will also feature a military jet flyover, fireworks, and a speech by the president in front of the Lincoln Memorial.

The National Parks Service, which is in charge of the celebration, will reportedly divert $2.5 million in funds to cover the expenses for the event.

Trump said that the celebration will be "the show of a lifetime".

While the event is public and free for all to attend, there will be a VIP area in front of the Lincoln Memorial that requires tickets. Trump will be joined during the celebration by a Pentagon delegation led by Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Joseph Dunford.

Trump's campaign and the Republican National Convention also reportedly have tickets to attend the event.

Such a celebration has never been done for July 4. Normally the day brings fireworks and small parades through the capital's neighborhoods.

Critics argue that bringing in tanks and military jets bring in a more militaristic and authoritarian atmosphere to the usually temperate festivities.

"Kids in cages. Tanks on the streets. Friendships with dictators. Fights with democracies. VIP access for donors at a July 4 event. Attacking the press. There is nothing patriotic about any of that," Hawaii Senator Brian Schatz tweeted.

Code Pink, a human rights advocacy group, was granted a permit by the National Parks Service to host a demonstration during the celebration, in which they plan to display an inflatable balloon depicting Trump as a baby.

The demonstration is to serve as a protest to the "militarization" of July 4, however, the group was denied permission to use helium in the balloon or to allow it to float in the air.

Last November, Trump attempted to have a military parade in honor of Veteran's Day, but plans were cancelled after it was said it would cost over $90 million dollars.