Black Meetings & Tourism - A MOMENT IN TIME: AMERICA SHOWING ITS TRUE COLORS

Industry Briefs
A MOMENT IN TIME: AMERICA SHOWING ITS TRUE COLORS
The U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission recently announced that a Grand Military Parade, Celebration & Broadcast Special, honoring the 250th Anniversary of the U.S. Army, will take place on June 14th, 2025 in Washington, DC. With the stated purpose of telling the story of the U.S Army's 250-year history, beginning with the Revolutionary War and ending with the present-day era, this could indeed be a pivotal moment to showcase the diversity and inclusion of American soldiers, male and female of varied nationalities and ethnic backgrounds, who demonstrated unwavering dedication, commitment and sacrifice to a country that did not always reciprocate with appreciation. By all accounts this event will bring together veterans, active-duty troops, wounded warriors, Gold Star Families, and Patriotic Americans from across the country to salute American's heroes who have "protected the nation through strength and selflessness." According to the organizers, the parade will "trace the Army's evolution from the Revolutionary War to the U.S. Army of Tomorrow. It is said that attendees & viewers will experience 250 years of Army heritage through historical U.S. Army personnel reenactors, period-accurate equipment, vehicles, impressive flyovers, and military bands." A number of national public opinion polls show significant segments of the US population oppose this military spectacle. for a variety of reasons. Among the oppositional concerns most frequently expressed is the exorbitant cost to create this unique event. Many further suggest that funds used for its production would be better spent providing benefits and services for our military veterans. Several protests and counter demonstrations are planned in the nation's capital as well as in other parts of the country. Harlem Hellfighters Given that the U.S president is already moving to eradicate any mention of racial or gender discrimination within the military, having purged the Joint Chiefs of Staff of Black and female members and is renaming military bases to honor pro-slavery Confederates, the question arises: will this parade be an accurate representation of American soldiers who have "defended freedom, upheld the U.S. Constitution, and carried the torch of liberty around the world?" Will tribute be paid to:Crispus Attucks, the Buffalo Soldiers, the Tuskegee Airmen, the Harlem Hellfighters, the Navajo Code Talkers, the Japanese-American Nisei 442^nd RCT, https://support.google.com/websearch?p=ai_overviews&hl=en the 141st Infantry Regiment, the 65th Infantry Regiment,nicknamed "The Borinqueneers, the "Ritchie Boys, " or the 6888^th Central Postal Directory Battalion? They all unquestionably played crucial roles in American history and military service. If these and/or, others like them, are not recognized in this "comprehensive" military display, it may only serve as a national disgrace, "white washing," and grossly distorting the documented history of this country. Tuskegee Airmen with plane June 14^th is Flag Day, a national observance, commemorating the adoption of the American flag by the 2 ^nd Continental Congress in 1777. This year it will be a day many Americans will proudly display the RED, WHITE and BLUE as a symbol of their patriotism. It remains to be seen if the nation will utilize this high profile platform to acknowledge major historic contributions of its sons and daughters who distinguished themselves in the U.S. army and who happen to be RED, BLACK, JEWISH, FEMALE, BROWN and YELLOW. ABOUT Black Meetings & Tourism Publishing for over 30 years, Black Meetings & Tourism is the exclusive, award-winning, African-American owned trade publication for and about the $145+ billion African-American segment of the travel and meetings industry. BM&T is the creator of *TRAVEL Black America 250 ™,* a digital platform, scheduled to launch in 2026, that connects travelers to destinations across the U.S. and its territories, which showcase African-American heritage, culture and experiences. For MORE INFORMATION contact Black Meetings & Tourism at bmtmag@aol.com

Industry Briefs

A MOMENT IN TIME: AMERICA SHOWING ITS TRUE COLORS

The U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission recently announced that a Grand Military Parade, Celebration & Broadcast Special, honoring the 250th Anniversary of the U.S. Army, will take place on June 14th, 2025 in Washington, DC. With the stated purpose of telling the story of the U.S Army's 250-year history, beginning with the Revolutionary War and ending with the present-day era, this could indeed be a pivotal moment to showcase the diversity and inclusion of American soldiers, male and female of varied nationalities and ethnic backgrounds, who demonstrated unwavering dedication, commitment and sacrifice to a country that did not always reciprocate with appreciation.

By all accounts this event will bring together veterans, active-duty troops, wounded warriors, Gold Star Families, and Patriotic Americans from across the country to salute American's heroes who have "protected the nation through strength and selflessness." According to the organizers, the parade will "trace the Army's evolution from the Revolutionary War to the U.S. Army of Tomorrow. It is said that attendees & viewers will experience 250 years of Army heritage through historical U.S. Army personnel reenactors, period-accurate equipment, vehicles, impressive flyovers, and military bands."

A number of national public opinion polls show significant segments of the US population oppose this military spectacle. for a variety of reasons. Among the oppositional concerns most frequently expressed is the exorbitant cost to create this unique event. Many further suggest that funds used for its production would be better spent providing benefits and services for our military veterans. Several protests and counter demonstrations are planned in the nation's capital as well as in other parts of the country.

Harlem Hellfighters

Given that the U.S president is already moving to eradicate any mention of racial or gender discrimination within the military, having purged the Joint Chiefs of Staff of Black and female members and is renaming military bases to honor pro-slavery Confederates, the question arises: will this parade be an accurate representation of American soldiers who have "defended freedom, upheld the U.S. Constitution, and carried the torch of liberty around the world?"

Will tribute be paid to:Crispus Attucks, the Buffalo Soldiers, the Tuskegee Airmen, the Harlem Hellfighters, the Navajo Code Talkers, the Japanese-American Nisei 442^nd RCT, https://support.google.com/websearch?p=ai_overviews&hl=en the 141st Infantry Regiment, the 65th Infantry Regiment,nicknamed "The Borinqueneers, the "Ritchie Boys, " or the 6888^th Central Postal Directory Battalion? They all unquestionably played crucial roles in American history and military service. If these and/or, others like them, are not recognized in this "comprehensive" military display, it may only serve as a national disgrace, "white washing," and grossly distorting the documented history of this country.

Tuskegee Airmen with plane

June 14^th is Flag Day, a national observance, commemorating the adoption of the American flag by the 2 ^nd Continental Congress in 1777. This year it will be a day many Americans will proudly display the RED, WHITE and BLUE as a symbol of their patriotism. It remains to be seen if the nation will utilize this high profile platform to acknowledge major historic contributions of its sons and daughters who distinguished themselves in the U.S. army and who happen to be RED, BLACK, JEWISH, FEMALE, BROWN and YELLOW.

ABOUT Black Meetings & Tourism

Publishing for over 30 years, Black Meetings & Tourism is the exclusive, award-winning, African-American owned trade publication for and about the $145+ billion African-American segment of the travel and meetings industry. BM&T is the creator of TRAVEL Black America 250 ™, a digital platform, scheduled to launch in 2026, that connects travelers to destinations across the U.S. and its territories, which showcase African-American heritage, culture and experiences.

For MORE INFORMATION contact Black Meetings & Tourism at bmtmag@aol.com