Colorado Veterans Join DC Protests as Military Parade Costs Draw Local Concern
Colorado military families and veterans are closely watching events in Washington DC, where approximately 60 demonstrators, including veterans from across the nation, were arrested Friday during protests at the U.S. Capitol. The demonstrations come as concerns mount over the $45 million price tag for Saturday's military parade, funds that local veteran advocates say could better serve military communities in Colorado Springs and across the state.
With five military installations in the Pikes Peak region and one of the nation's highest concentrations of veterans, the protests hold particular significance for Colorado's military community. Local veteran support organizations are highlighting how such federal spending could instead benefit the estimated 400,000 veterans who call Colorado home.
Impact on Colorado Military Communities
The demonstration, organized by veterans' groups About Face: Veterans Against the War and Veterans for Peace, resonates with Colorado's substantial military population. As
"We want a future where we invest in care for veterans, in health care, and in education, not where we spend $50 million on a parade," stated Brittany Ramos DeBarros, an Army combat veteran and Organizing Director of About Face: Veterans Against the War.
"We want a future where we invest in care for veterans, in health care, and in education, not where we spend $50 million on a parade," stated Brittany Ramos DeBarros, an Army combat veteran and Organizing Director of About Face: Veterans Against the War.
Local Veteran Response
Colorado Springs veteran support organizations note that the parade's $45 million budget could fund:
- Mental health services for thousands of Colorado veterans
- Housing assistance for homeless veterans in the Denver metro area
- Job training programs for transitioning service members at Fort Carson
- Healthcare improvements at local VA facilities
- Mental health services for thousands of Colorado veterans
- Housing assistance for homeless veterans in the Denver metro area
- Job training programs for transitioning service members at Fort Carson
- Healthcare improvements at local VA facilities
Protest Details and Consequences
According to Capitol Police, demonstrators faced charges after breaching a police line. All arrested protesters will be charged with unlawful demonstration and crossing a police line, with some facing additional charges including assault on a police officer and resisting arrest. Two protesters required hospital treatment.
The Army's 250th birthday celebration is expected to draw up to 200,000 attendees on Saturday, featuring military equipment displays including tanks and aircraft. The White House has indicated support for peaceful protests while warning against disruptive demonstrations.
For Colorado's military community, the events highlight ongoing debates about federal spending priorities and veteran support services, particularly relevant as local bases like Fort Carson, Peterson Space Force Base, and the Air Force Academy continue to play crucial roles in national defense while serving as economic anchors for the Pikes Peak region.
This article contains AI-generated content and reflects opinion only. Readers are encouraged to verify all information independently before drawing conclusions or making decisions.
