(File photo: IC)

Washington (People's Daily) - The US Department of Defense began to plan a grand military parade for later this year, the Washington Post reported. It is the "directive" of President Trump.

The parade has three potential dates: Memorial Day (May 28), National Day (July 4) or Veterans Day (Nov. 11). Veterans Day in 2018 coincides with the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I. Moreover, it has fewer political implications. Some resources with the Pentagon said it is the best possible date for a military parade. 

President Trump has been interested in having a military parade as early as last July when he was invited to be a guest for the military parade for French National Day. He talked highly of the parade. "It was one of the greatest parades I've ever seen. It was two hours on the button, and it was military might, and I think a tremendous thing for France and for the spirit of France.”

In a meeting with Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr., and several other high-ranking officials on January 18, Trump said, "The marching orders were: I want a parade like the one in France." The officials attending the meeting believed Trump's "abstract desire for a parade" was suddenly heard as a "presidential directive". And the Pentagon is working on the plan right now. All the discussions are kept classified.

A White House official said the discussions on the parade were just "brainstorming" and said nothing was settled. But they still believed President Trump was determined to have a military parade.

American media comments that the US seldom holds military parades in its capital as a way of celebration. A grand military parade with tanks and air fighters in Washington D.C. "will not be cheap", they added.