Echoes of the Past: National Guard Deployment in Memphis

Sat Oct 11 2025 21:29:13 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

As National Guard troops return to Memphis amidst rising crime, locals reflect on the painful memories of their past interventions and the ongoing quest for peace.

The deployment of National Guard troops in Memphis is reminiscent of the turbulent 1960s, marked by civil rights struggles and violence. As the city of Memphis faces high crime rates, residents recall previous military responses and express concerns about their implications. Activists stress the importance of addressing violence without invoking past traumas.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The National Guard deployment in Memphis has stirred memories for long-time residents, drawing parallels to the events of 1968 when military presence symbolized a response to civil unrest and violence during the civil rights movement. Joe Calhoun, an activist who marched with sanitation workers alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., recalls the discomfort and fear the presence of armed soldiers instilled in the community.

In recent weeks, with crime rates in Memphis escalating, state and federal authorities, including Gov. Bill Lee, have argued for the need of National Guard troops to assist local law enforcement. President Trump announced the deployment as part of a broader strategy to address crime, resulting in the mobilization of military resources.

Members of the Tennessee National Guard are stepping up community safety efforts, including security patrols and traffic control, aimed at reducing crime rates. However, concerns remain, particularly among those who witnessed the chaotic interventions in the 1960s, as many fear a resurgence of militarization in response to community needs.

Calhoun, now 75, expresses that he had hoped never to see such military presence return. I've got four grandchildren, so much of what I do is to help make a better world for them, so they don't have to go through the same thing. But it’s taken a lot longer than I thought it would, he stated.

Governor Lee commented on the ongoing violence, deeming this moment as 'key' for Memphis and stressing historical parallels. The deployment of the National Guard in the past was often perceived as a 'show of strength' during times of crisis, a sentiment echoed by many residents who experienced the turmoil of the 1960s.

In the backdrop of ongoing crime and social unrest, the debate over the appropriateness and effectiveness of military involvement continues among local leaders and citizens alike. As Memphis strives to tackle its challenges, the question remains: how to ensure safety without evoking the painful memories of an era defined by civil rights struggles?