I personally suspect it was mostly about political advantage and trying to energize support for himself. I'd have less issue with it if it was just about putting on an entertaining event without him giving a personal appearance. But it is what it is, and it's FAR from the biggest complaint I have with him so it doesn't have me angry like some people ... just disappointed.

On the other hand, at least it's better the vehicles and planes are at this parade than being used in starting a new war. As a believer in the non-aggression principle, in my book shameless self-promotion is a far lesser evil than unprovoked military aggression.