The Greatest Generation?

Sometimes I get a little patriotic – like, tonight. I was recently reciting The Gettysburg Address to myself, as we nerds sometimes do. That speech is masterful – which I know is no earth-shattering thought, but Lincoln’s ability to take the profound into the simple is inspiring. If you can get past the long-time-ago language, Lincoln’s basic message is: a lot of people died here [Gettysburg, PA], and the way we can best honor their memories is by doing our part to preserve the union of the United States. In Lincoln’s time, Americans were really unsure if the US, as they knew it, would survive – and a whole lot of “Americans” really wanted out. How glad I am that they stuck it out! (through no small effort on their parts)

Shift gears: This past summer I read No Ordinary Time: Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt: The Home Front during World War II (Goodwin). As the title suggests, she focuses on the home front and explains some aspects of the rationing system in place. Americans had to ration gasoline, rubber, nylons(!), coffee, basic cooking ingredients, people were told when and how far they could drive, among many other things. It made me wonder: would Americans ration now? Can you imagine telling Americans when and how far they could drive their own cars? People would throw a fit, a fit.

In his book about the World War II generation, Tom Brokaw called them The Greatest Generation. I didn’t really appreciate that title; it annoys me when people hearken back to the old and better days when kids were more respectful, people were kinder, and you could leave your car doors unlocked. Usually, I just think we should appreciate the good in our own generation. But, I really think that that World War II generation understood something that we might not today: that America is precious.

Another recent read was my Grandpa’s personal history. He served as a communications officer on a destroyer in the Atlantic, and for a time in the Pacific. He came home briefly on home leave and he told of how he got off the boat and kissed the ground because he was so grateful to be back in the safety and goodness of American soil. He later went on to say that it hurts him when he saw or heard of people disrespecting the American flag.

I feel like it’s trendy to point out America’s flaws, and I may be the first to point out that they are many and great. I think it’s permissible to question and criticize leaders. But, I want to do better at focusing on the good of our American generation. We certainly have the opportunity during this time of multiple crises to be a great generation like our grandfathers. In this month of Thanksgiving, I feel gratitude for this nation where basic, and not-so-basic freedoms are protected, and we enjoy a government of the people, by the people, and for the people. Thank you, Lincoln, et. al.