It seems like as we approach the end of every calendar year we pause to remember the past year - whether it's been a good year or a not-so-good year.
2013 was an off-and-on year for me so the usual year-ending recollections reflected that - until I paused to remember much further back than just 2013.
We've all heard of "The Greatest Generation", those who grew up during the deprivation of the Great Depression and then went on to fight through WWII, as well as those whose productivity within the war's home front made a decisive material contribution to the war effort. Whether they fought in the Pacific or Europe or worked at home, their efforts saved our way of life - and they fought for neither fame nor fortune, but because it was "the right thing to do."
There aren't many left from "The Greatest Generation", but I want to extend my sincere "Thank You" to all of them. Because of their hard work, sacrifices and great work ethic, my generation was able to reap the benefits.
As a post-war "Baby Boomer", I have to consider myself part of "The Luckiest Generation". Why the "Luckiest"? Because I got to grow up during a time of increased educational, financial and social opportunities. Compared to previous generations, more of us as young adults had the opportunity to pursue higher education or relocated away from family to pursue career and educational interests. Post-war optimism inspired a sense of stability, opportunity and prosperity. This was the dawn of space exploration, accessible long-distance travel and prosperity for many Americans.
This was also a time of increasing social and economic equality, and also a time when our great country was frequently torn by differing views of politics, war and social justice. We witnessed and participated in some of the greatest social changes in American history during the '60s and '70s.
And this was also the time of the muscle car era and the time of the greatest music in history. It was a great time-period to grow up!
So, to "The Greatest Generation" I want to once again say, "Thank You"!
And to today's generation, please read up on the history of "The Greatest Generation", learn from it, and put those lessons to practice. Why? Because that's the only way to ensure your children may have a chance to be part of another "Luckiest Generation".
2013 was an off-and-on year for me so the usual year-ending recollections reflected that - until I paused to remember much further back than just 2013.
We've all heard of "The Greatest Generation", those who grew up during the deprivation of the Great Depression and then went on to fight through WWII, as well as those whose productivity within the war's home front made a decisive material contribution to the war effort. Whether they fought in the Pacific or Europe or worked at home, their efforts saved our way of life - and they fought for neither fame nor fortune, but because it was "the right thing to do."
There aren't many left from "The Greatest Generation", but I want to extend my sincere "Thank You" to all of them. Because of their hard work, sacrifices and great work ethic, my generation was able to reap the benefits.
As a post-war "Baby Boomer", I have to consider myself part of "The Luckiest Generation". Why the "Luckiest"? Because I got to grow up during a time of increased educational, financial and social opportunities. Compared to previous generations, more of us as young adults had the opportunity to pursue higher education or relocated away from family to pursue career and educational interests. Post-war optimism inspired a sense of stability, opportunity and prosperity. This was the dawn of space exploration, accessible long-distance travel and prosperity for many Americans.
This was also a time of increasing social and economic equality, and also a time when our great country was frequently torn by differing views of politics, war and social justice. We witnessed and participated in some of the greatest social changes in American history during the '60s and '70s.
And this was also the time of the muscle car era and the time of the greatest music in history. It was a great time-period to grow up!
So, to "The Greatest Generation" I want to once again say, "Thank You"!
And to today's generation, please read up on the history of "The Greatest Generation", learn from it, and put those lessons to practice. Why? Because that's the only way to ensure your children may have a chance to be part of another "Luckiest Generation".
