RETIRED MEN'S ASSOCIATION OF GREENWICH, Inc. (RMA)
Invites you to its meeting, July 1, 2026, at 11 am at Christ Church, Parish Hall, 254 East Putnam Ave., Greenwich. The program will also be shown on Zoom (click here for live feed), and on local cable channels 24 (Verizon) and 79 (Optimum)
John Blankley
“Reflections on the 250th Anniversary of the Founding of the Republic”
Well known Greenwich resident John Blankley will talk about the vision of the founding fathers and how America in its 250 years became the undisputed superpower of the world, in this America 250/Greenwich special program event. He will highlight our strengths, economic and military power, scientific achievements, democratic principles and personal liberty. He will also consider how, despite having so many advantages, we currently have major threats and challenges. To name just one, the U.S. dollar is the reserve currency of international commerce, but we have a national debt approaching 39 trillion dollars, exceeding our annual GDP.
Other domestic problems include the integrity of elections being cast in doubt, the abyss separating the superrich from the middle class and its impact on governance, inadequate health care and educational systems for a nation of such wealth, and deep division among the American people on social, political, economic and even scientific issues. International challenges include competition for world leadership from China, aggression from Russia, Iran, and North Korea, and loss of trust from our long-term allies.
Where do we go from here? What’s the next chapter for America going to look like? What would the Founding Fathers think of us today?
Born in England, John came to the USA 40 years ago, stayed and became an American citizen. From his roots in the UK, his degree in Modern History from Oxford University, and his journey to citizenship, he brings a special perspective and appreciation of our country. Beginning his career as a chartered accountant, he became the CFO and a board member of BP North America, Stolt Tankers and Terminals, and other companies. In 2000 he co-founded Flagship Networks, Inc., a computer consulting company.
John has been active in politics. Locally he served on the RTM and the BET and ran for First Selectman. He also ran for state office: State Representative, the State Senate, and State Treasurer. He currently serves as a trustee of Greenwich Library, is former Chairman of Greenwich Green and Clean and former president of the St. Andrew’s Society of the State of New York, the oldest charity in the state. John and his wife, Vera, have lived in Greenwich since 1983 and have three children and five grandchildren.
Our next presentation, on July 8, is Jennifer Kavanagh, Senior Fellow, Defense Priorities, on “Why the United States Would be Safer with a Smaller Military.”
The Greenwich Retired Men’s Association offers a free program every Wednesday that is open to the public, both men and women; no reservations are required. Our social break starts at 10:40 am followed promptly by our presentation at 11:00. For additional information, including parking, see
