Colorado Veterans Join Capitol Protest as Military Parade Sparks Debate Over National Guard Deployments
Several Colorado veterans were among approximately 60 protesters arrested outside the U.S. Capitol on Friday during demonstrations against military deployments in American cities and the Army's anniversary parade, highlighting growing concerns among local service members about domestic military operations.
The protest, which holds particular significance for Colorado's substantial military community across bases like Fort Carson, Peterson Space Force Base, and the Air Force Academy, brought attention to debates about using military forces for domestic operations - an issue closely watched by the over 35,000 active duty service members stationed in our state.
Impact on Colorado's Military Community
For Colorado Springs, home to one of the nation's largest concentrations of veterans and active military personnel, the protest resonates deeply with local families who have long balanced their commitment to service with concerns about domestic military deployments.
"We are the actual people who put uniforms on because we believe in the freedoms this country is supposed to be about and we will not be intimidated into silence," said Michael T. McPhearson, director of Veterans For Peace, according to the organization's social media statement.
Local Veterans Voice Concerns
The demonstration, organized by Veterans For Peace, called for redirecting military spending toward domestic needs that directly affect Colorado communities:
- Increased funding for veteran housing programs in high-cost areas like Denver metro
- Enhanced healthcare services for Colorado's rural veterans
- Support for military families facing rising living costs in Colorado Springs
According to Capitol Police, protesters faced charges including unlawful demonstration and crossing police lines, with some receiving additional charges for assault on police officers and resisting arrest. Two protesters required hospital treatment.
Parade Highlights Military Spending Debate
The protest preceded Saturday's Army 250th anniversary parade in Washington, D.C., which features 6,600 soldiers, 150 vehicles, and over 50 aircraft - numbers that have sparked discussions among Colorado taxpayers about military spending priorities versus community needs.
For Colorado's military communities, particularly around Colorado Springs and Aurora, the debate underscores ongoing tensions between supporting our armed forces while ensuring military resources aren't diverted from critical veteran services and family support programs in our state.
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