Tim Walz: The “Sunshine Patriot,” and a Prayer for Rain

When Americans mark military milestones, we aren’t merely celebrating history. We are honoring the sacrifices, courage, and traditions that underpin our freedom. That’s what the Army’s 250th anniversary parade representED: a tribute to centuries of service. So when Minnesota Governor Tim Walz publicly wished for rain to fall on this historic moment, the clouds he summoned weren’t just meteorological—they were symbolic of something far darker.

In a comment made in advance of a parade honoring the 250th anniversary of the establishment of the US Army, Walz gleefully stated, “I hope it rains. I’m just going to confess it, I hope it rains.” This sentiment is disgracefully misaligned with the spirit of national unity and respect due our armed forces. In 2025, amid a divided country and global uncertainty, such flippancy now reads not as political sass, but as an indictment of a troubling trend: partisan spite outweighing patriotism.

Disrespect in Disguise

Governor Walz’s defenders may brush the comment off as a joke or a jab at Trump-era excesses. But intention does not erase impact. To the millions of Americans who have worn the uniform—like Walz himself—and to the families of those who served overseas in combat—unlike Walz, this wasn’t about politics. It was about pride and remembrance. For a sitting governor to openly hope for the disruption of a military event, no matter its presidential association, is a disgraceful show of disrespect cloaked in partisan snark.

Leaders should rise above personal vendettas and Twitter-level snipes. Walz’s background as a National Guard veteran makes his statement even more egregious. He knows the meaning behind ceremonial honors. He knows the importance of morale and respect. And yet, he chose petty politics over the very values he once swore to uphold.

Many years ago, at the time of the founding of our country, renowned patriot Thomas Paine made an observation about the “summer soldier and the sunshine patriot.” To sum up, the summer solider is someone who wants all of the trappings of soldiering, until the literal or metaphorical weather turns bad. Wishing for misery on his fellow troops by wishing for rain to fall in a parade they would be marching in, rain or shine, is total summer soldier behavior. But then again, it’s the type of thing that we should expect from a politician who quit his unit on the eve of them receiving orders to combat.

Weaponizing Weather

It’s not the literal rain that should worry us—it’s the metaphorical one. In wishing for clouds to mar a day of national significance, Walz gave voice to a growing disdain for unifying traditions. He turned a moment of bipartisan reverence into a political wedge. The military parade wasn’t for Trump. It was for every soldier who’s marched, bled, and died under the stars and stripes.

The public deserves leaders who understand nuance, who can separate political disagreements from national pride. Walz’s comment may have garnered chuckles in progressive circles, but to many Americans—particularly those with dirt still in their boots from distant battlefields—it landed like a slap.

Conclusion: Public Service, Not Partisan Showmanship

Tim Walz had an opportunity to reflect on how his words betrayed the unity that military events are meant to inspire. Instead, his comment reveals an uncomfortable truth: too many in public office now prioritize performative politics over principle. This isn’t about defending Donald Trump; it’s about defending the dignity of the United States Armed Forces.

In the end, the Army’s legacy will weather any storm—real or rhetorical. But we should expect more from our leaders. Especially those who once wore the uniform.

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Scott is a veteran of a half-dozen combat deployments and has served in several different Special Operations units over the course of his Army career. Scott’s writing focuses largely on veterans’ issues, but he is also a big proponent of Constitutional rights and has a deep interest in politics. He often allows other veterans who request anonymity to publish their work under his byline. Scott welcomes story ideas and feedback on his articles and can be reached at havokjournal@havokmedia.com.