The Greatest Generation
Meet my Uncle Jim, a proud member of The Greatest Generation. Uncle Jim is 93 years old and he requires quite a bit of extra help these days, but he still treasures family and remembers the things that matter most. I have fond memories of being around him as a kid.
As my brother and I visited with Uncle Jim this week, conversation turned to his military service during World War II. He was one of three brothers fighting overseas at the time, including my father. We flipped through some old war-time photos that had recently turned up and he very carefully studied those images from the past. When asked for specific recollections from the War, he wistfully looked away and would only quietly say “That was a very long time ago.” The response was typical of many from his generation; they don’t like to talk about it and instead let their actions and achievements speak for them.
I asked Uncle Jim about the large American flag that he has hanging on the wall in his room. He smiled and said that while this particular flag didn’t have special significance, he wanted to have one there because “It is a symbol of our country’s history”. And then he saluted it.
Principled actions, sacrifice, quiet confidence, belief in something bigger than self. Those qualities exemplify why this unique group of individuals made such a mark on our world and shaped our present possibilities. We owe them a great deal, but they don’t ask for anything from us. Our respect is the most significant honor that we can bestow upon them at this time in their lives.
If you still have someone from The Greatest Generation in your family, I encourage you to talk with them. If you don’t already know someone from that era, I encourage you to seek one out. You’ll come away with a fresh perspective and a vivid memory that is important to carry forward.
As our visit concluded, I stood and spontaneously saluted Uncle Jim. He saluted back.
“It is, I believe, the greatest generation any society has ever produced.”
~ Tom Brokaw
As my brother and I visited with Uncle Jim this week, conversation turned to his military service during World War II. He was one of three brothers fighting overseas at the time, including my father. We flipped through some old war-time photos that had recently turned up and he very carefully studied those images from the past. When asked for specific recollections from the War, he wistfully looked away and would only quietly say “That was a very long time ago.” The response was typical of many from his generation; they don’t like to talk about it and instead let their actions and achievements speak for them.
I asked Uncle Jim about the large American flag that he has hanging on the wall in his room. He smiled and said that while this particular flag didn’t have special significance, he wanted to have one there because “It is a symbol of our country’s history”. And then he saluted it.
Principled actions, sacrifice, quiet confidence, belief in something bigger than self. Those qualities exemplify why this unique group of individuals made such a mark on our world and shaped our present possibilities. We owe them a great deal, but they don’t ask for anything from us. Our respect is the most significant honor that we can bestow upon them at this time in their lives.
If you still have someone from The Greatest Generation in your family, I encourage you to talk with them. If you don’t already know someone from that era, I encourage you to seek one out. You’ll come away with a fresh perspective and a vivid memory that is important to carry forward.
As our visit concluded, I stood and spontaneously saluted Uncle Jim. He saluted back.
“It is, I believe, the greatest generation any society has ever produced.”
~ Tom Brokaw
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Your cousin Jim
9 years agoBill,
Today I got an email from my congressman, Vern Buchanan that was titled Honoring the Greatest Generation. His email reminded me to go back to read what you wrote about your visit with my Dad. Thanks, Bill.
Vern wrote, “Seventy years ago this week, World War II came to an end as the Japanese signed an unconditional surrender to the Allied forces on the deck of the U.S.S. Missouri.
To mark the occasion, President Harry S. Truman declared September 2nd to be a national day of victory, saying: “On land and sea and in the air, American men and women have given their lives so that this day of ultimate victory might come and assure the survival of a civilized world.”
Earlier this year, I visited the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial in France as part of a national security mission to Europe and the Middle East.
As I toured the memorial honoring the American soldiers who gave their lives in the European theatre during World War II, I reflected on the debt of gratitude we owe to these brave men and women for their tremendous sacrifice.
Let us never forget this debt and never miss an opportunity to express our appreciation for their sacrifice.
I hope you will take a few moments to thank a member of the greatest generation and learn about their experiences firsthand.
Vern”
Bill
9 years agoUncle Jim’s life exemplified the principles of Duty, Honor, Country.