A more recent example of finding purpose and our ties to the communities in which we live and serve is through Ta-Nehisi Coates’ memoir "Between the World and Me". Written as a letter to his son, Coates reflects on our Nation’s racial history and explores the lives of African Americans today. The themes of identity, trust and respect – this last one being an idea so foundational to the Coast Guard it is one of our Core Values. Coates’ personal perspectives struck a chord and his testament is eye opening and thought provoking.