Freedom is complicated; peace is compromised when injustice is perpetuated.

Today, much of the world remains at war. Wars rage in Israel/Gaza, Sudan, the Magreb (involving some 15 African nations), and Myanmar; Russia continues its brutal invasion of Ukraine; terrorist insurgencies destabilize more than 20 countries across Africa and Asia; drug conflicts and gang wars plague Mexico, Haiti, and regions of Central and South America. In addition to tens of thousands of deaths, both combatants and civilians, literally millions of civilians have been displaced in the past twelve months, with accompanying surges in refugee migration, food insecurity, and spread of disease.

As we remember those who died in military service to our country, we also reflect on the inherent tragedy of every war and every breach of peace and justice, from outside and from within.

At PDA, we are not silent. We rededicate our efforts–both short- and long-term–to advance peace, pursue justice, and realize a vision of equity and protection for all of our brothers and sisters.

As our former Executive Director Donna Smith wrote in 2017, “Calling for peace does not weaken or diminish the memory of those who have died in our military…. We believe the best way to memorialize those who have sacrificed their lives is to do our best to pursue peace and achieve justice for all.”

No justice, no peace, but with the fervent hope for both,

Debra Schrishuhn for the PDA National Team