Agreed. I was stationed in Wash DC for 7 years. Jul 4th is too hot for an all-day parade. Veterans Day is perfect.
AB, you are right. July in DC is a steam bath. Not something we should want to force on our troops. If I remember correctly, PA Av. is black tar which would add 20 degrees to the likely 90 degrees July temperature. There is also a huge crowd gathering on the Mall for the big fireworks. In all a logistics nightmare. While I mentioned Veterans Day, which would honor all who have served and will become veterans, Memorial Day (Decoration Day) in late May is also a less steamy proposition with an honorable history. Personal note, I have a son with 20 year in Special Forces. I will ask him how he would feel if required to participate in July heat.