Robert Charles, a former assistant secretary of state, is defending President Donald Trump's Fourth of July celebration.
Charles, who served under President George W. Bush, made his comments in a column posted on the Fox News website on Thursday.
"President Trump's Fourth of July Salute to America includes displays of military hardware — tanks, Bradley fighting vehicles, and a combat aircraft flyover," he wrote. "Too much? Many in the liberal media think so, but what do average Americans think? I think they understand.
"Most Americans do not mind seeing military involvement in Independence Day celebrations. Many turn out to see flyovers by the Navy Blue Angels and Air Force Thunderbirds. Most see a similar display on the Fourth of July as affirming America's resolve to defend freedom."
He noted July 4 is "about defending freedom — and risking life and limb to do so when necessary." And he maintained most Americans will not see the celebration "as war planning, but as a confirmation of national resolve — a declaration that we have always defended freedom against those who would take it."
And he said the deterrent message comes after "an extended period of national ambivalence toward our military."
Charles added: "Independence Day reminds us that this gift of freedom, passed down from long ago, comes with a responsibility to pass it forward. This is why the Fourth of July is worth a celebration — and that celebration can include parades, flyovers, military hardware, fireworks and more."
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