RENK America’s Post

Freedom isn’t free

Memorial Day offers another opportunity to remember more than 81,000 Americans still missing in action from US wars/conflicts (WWII through the Gulf wars). With little media care or attention, the high MIA count surprises many people with realization that each individual in that total had a personal life with hopes, plans and dreams. Yet, each one left the comfort of home, neighborhood and loved ones to defend our homeland and shared values at great personal sacrifice. As I can personally attest, POW/MIA torment runs deep, touches many, and never goes away. Demographic research and basic practical assumptions allow us to reasonably grant that approximately 1.4 million additional people (family/friends) of those 81,000 MIAs have suffered or continue to suffer personal anguish, anxiety, uncertainty, and great pain unknowing the fate.  Honoring a foundational US military value that we leave no American behind, there are focused organizations working every day to locate, identify and recover our MIAs. Two of those groups: Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency https://lnkd.in/gVzAc8JA, and, ‘Project Recover’  https://lnkd.in/gQiBF3G7

War and Peace. Memorial Day "The world will little note, nor long remember, what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here." – Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address Beyond the blood, it is important to ponder war. War is inevitable. The evidence is too strong. Humans cannot deny who they are and "who they are" is riddled with human vice: pride, greed, lust, and so forth. Each vice can lead to conflict. It can be personal, it can be communal, It can be personal with a facade of communal. The permutations of vice and offender is innumerable. The ultimate respect that we can show fallen heroes is to avoid sending the next generation into an avoidable conflict. Avoiding conflict requires, first of all, understanding why, the real why's, of the drive to war. A lesson from labor negotiations is to prioritize each sides' demand. For one side it is about compensation. A battle over money starts. Except that's not what either side wants. One side wants decent managers, the other wants scheduling flexibility. It leads to an avoidable war. By my reading, the war on the Ukraine was avoidable. Russia didn't want NATO hegemony, Ukraine wanted respect. Why the war? The US Military Industrial Complex wanted work. Maybe I'm wrong. I am not impressed that the US doesn't have boots on the ground. Ukrainians and Russians are people, too. Memorial Day is, yes, to honor fallen soldiers. Show honor to the heroes by (1) dragging your feet before being shoved into war (2) knowing why war should start (3) have a clue about when it is over.

As Memorial Day unfolds, it's more than just a day off or a time for barbecues. It's a moment to pause, reflect, and honor the sacrifices made by those who have served and continue to serve in the armed forces. It's a day to acknowledge the debt of gratitude we owe to those who have given their lives in defense of our freedom and way of life. Memorial Day is a time to remember not only the soldiers who have fallen, but also the families they leave behind. It's a day to recognize the immense sacrifices made by military families, who endure long separations, frequent moves, and the constant fear of the unknown. But amidst the somber reflections, there is also room for gratitude. Gratitude for the freedoms we often take for granted. Gratitude for the quality of life we enjoy, made possible by the dedication and bravery of our armed forces. And let's commit ourselves to ensuring that their sacrifices were not in vain. Let's work to build a world where freedom and justice are not just lofty ideals, but lived realities for all. Let's strive to create a future worthy of the legacy left to us by those who have gone before. This Memorial Day, let's remember, let's reflect, and let's give thanks. But let's also recommit ourselves to the values & lets ensure a brighter future for generations to come. #MemorialDay #Gratitude #RememberTheHeroes #RememberAndReflect

I Got Your Back In the world of military service, there’s a powerful concept that resonates deeply with the bonds formed among comrades—having someone’s “six.” In military jargon, this means watching their back, providing support, and ensuring they are protected. This idea of unwavering support is not limited to the battlefield; it can and should extend into our everyday lives as men, as we support and uplift one another. In the armed forces, the camaraderie between soldiers is a cornerstone of their success. It's a deep and unbreakable bond formed through shared challenges, sacrifices, and a mutual commitment to each other's safety. Soldiers understand that having their comrade's back can be a matter of life and death. As civilians, we may not face the same life-or-death situations, but the principle remains relevant. We can support our fellow men by offering a helping hand, being a listening ear, and demonstrating that we're there through thick and thin. Just as in the military, our support can make a profound difference in the lives of our friends, loved ones and random men who come across our path. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, it says: “Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.” Galatians 6:2 reminds us to” Carry each other's burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ." Question for today - Who’s got your back and who’s back do you have?

He is 1000% correct on every part of this speech.

Juneteenth On June 19, 1865, Galveston, Texas, held a momentous celebration of freedom. Despite the Civil War's conclusion on April 9, 1865, slavery persisted in various states, with Texas being the final Confederate state to abolish the practice. The 135th US Colored Troops, which included my great-grandfather, played a pivotal role in paving the way for General Sherman's journey to Texas. For more information, see my blog on Diggingdeepcoach.com #Juneteenth #usct

An accurate presentation.