The beautiful Caribbean island of Grenada finally achieved their independence on February 2, 1974. Less than 10 years later, U.S. troops invaded.

You know, it’s funny how perusing old pictures doesn’t always conjure up the same memories and responses. Exhibit A: Being a part of Independence Day festivities on Grenada in February 2009 was a blast, while also bringing an education of the youth and fragility of their nation, which left U.K. rule on February 7, 1974.

In less than 10 years (1983), US troops invaded Grenada to quash a Cuban-tied coup.

Dubbed “Operation Urgent Fury,” that effort became Mission Accomplished in a mere 8 days—and yet left scars and wide-ranging opinions about Americans. This pic takes me to the giddy celebrating and the impassioned conversations about politics, America, and war. Naturally, some people didn’t much like me and my family—simply because of our homeland. Some still wanted to be tied to Cuba; Fidel Castro posters remained a common sight.

Lately, Trump’s idea is to torment the Caribbean-tangent nation of Venezuela via “Operation Southern Spear,” with goals of curtailing drug flow. So far, we have about 12 Navy ships and 12,000 sailors and marines down there—and have killed at least 83 people in 21 attacks on boats allegedly hauling contraband. Meanwhile, the U.S. has offered a $50 million reward for the capture of their rogue leader, President Nicolas Maduro.

They say a picture paints 1,000 words. This picture feels more like 50,000,000. I adored my time in Grenada. But today, I’m grateful to be nowhere near Venezuela.