German soldiers in forest-green uniforms moved through their grey concrete barracks in Vilnius this month, marking a historic return to the Baltic. According to The New York Times, Berlin has deployed a brigade to Lithuania to serve as a deterrent against Russian aggression. The move reflects a growing willingness by Germany to act as "Europe's shield" at a time when American support under the current administration is seen as wavering.

A cold Baltic wind swept through the base as Lithuanian officials welcomed the troops. For a nation once occupied by Germany, the sight of German boots on the ground is now a source of comfort rather than fear. This deployment is a concrete manifestation of the duty to protect one’s neighbors, a stewardship of the continent that Berlin had long avoided.

As the U.S. government prioritizes its own internal