US President Donald Trump has hailed the "brave men and women" of the US military in a speech at an Independence Day event in Washington DC."We celebrate our history, our people, and the heroes who proudly defend our flag," he told a crowd on Thursday at the Lincoln Memorial, the BBC reported.Armoured carriers and tanks are part of the "Salute to America" backdrop.
Opponents accuse him of politicising the holiday ahead of a re-election campaign and wasting taxpayer's money. The Pentagon has not revealed the cost of the extravaganza, which many believe was inspired by Trump's visit to the Bastille Day parade hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron. Some reports say the National Park Service is diverting nearly $2.5 million to cover the cost. As well as tanks, Trump's July 4 celebration features a military jet flyover and an extended fireworks show.
