President Trump’s decision to skip President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration followed another departure from previous departing presidents, a dearth of events to thank the military that the 45th commander in chief long prided himself on strengthening right up to his farewell words at Joint Base Andrews.

“We rebuilt the United States military,” Trump said to a small crowd Wednesday morning after smiling during a 21-gun salute as “Hail to the Chief” was played by a military band.