Old soldiers never die, they just fade away
It seemed to me that Memorial Day was special this year, with a new wave of patriotism swelling across America, led by President Donald Trump. Enlistments are up, with billions of dollars for the military if the “Big Beautiful Bill” passes the United States Senate. I’m not sure about the “Golden Dome,” because if anyone launched a missile at the United States, they would be doomed to extinction. Trump, whether you like him or not, is leading the way forward with “Peace through Strength,” following in the footsteps of President Ronald Reagan, who told the Russian President Mikal Gorbachev, “Tear down that wall.” It did unite West Germany with East Germany.
So far, Trump has not upheld his promise to end the war between Russia and Ukraine. Instead, Putin has escalated his invasion of Ukraine with missiles, drones and bombs. I suspect he is trying to expand his military control over the captured territory, which includes seaports and fertile farmlands. I predict this war will end soon with negotiations. Putin will keep Crimea, as that is already a done deal; furthermore, the Russian invading army will maintain control over the captured territory, which amounts to at least 19 percent of Ukraine, and will promise to hold elections. That will be a lie, and the farmlands will revert to Russian control.
It seems Ukraine has no choice but to give up land to save lives and property. Otherwise, more soldiers and civilians would die, and Ukrainian cities would be reduced to rubble. Trump does not seem interested in involving the United States in another world war over a conflict that began with one former Soviet country invading another.
The Middle East could erupt as the Iranians are close to having enough enriched uranium for nuclear bombs, or they may have already purchased them from Russia or North Korea. Israel’s leadership and Trump have pledged to never allow Iran to obtain a nuclear weapon and will target the sites and oil facilities to hinder the Iranians’ dangerous mission to destroy Israel.
This is a dangerous time for America and the world. We honor Memorial Day to remember the millions of Americans who died fighting for our freedoms and those of our allies. In 1951, Gen. Douglas MacArthur said, “Anyone who has ever had to examine the strategic lessons of the Far East knows that no war in Asia should ever be fought without the most thorough understanding of the limitations imposed by geography, politics, and the will of the Asian peoples.” He popularized the saying, “Old Soldiers never die, they just fade away.” That’s what this famous general, who defeated the Japanese, said upon his retirement after being fired by President Harry Truman.
I don’t see much value in looking backward. Whatever happened in the past will end up in the history books. Whether you agree with what Trump is doing or not, at least you know who to blame or praise. Our military seems to have been reinvigorated!
As an Army veteran, I’m in the praise category!