The Greatest Generation

The World War II era is often called 'the greatest generation.' It is a big tip of the hat to those vets, but it is also a tip of the hat to those who worked in the factories, farms, transport and recycling centers that made what happened on the front lines possible.

Listening to an interview on the radio of an author who has just published a book on the topic, the writer interviewed a number of those WWII vets and their families. Among his observations, was that here was a generation that wasn't asking for special recognition or accolades for what they did. They simply did what they had to do. Once the job was done, those who lived and could, went back to their every day lives.

Minutes after listening to the interview of the author, we pulled up to a shopping center and as we walked by a store, we saw this World War II vet in the framed photo below. He drove the modest car seen below the framed image we created of his photo.

Note the 'God bless America' flag on the side of the
WWII vet's (shown in the framed photo above) car.

Just as the author on the radio said, this vet spoke not a word when I asked him for his photo. He simply turned and gently, unassumingly smiled. He posed for the photo as requested. I thanked him, and he went on into the store.

In saying they were the greatest generation (the author said, 'they literally saved the world' from what would have happened if the Nazi's and Japanese had won the war) this should inspire our generation and all others! Their praise is not to take away from what the vets or citizens who followed did.

Like a record in sports, business or any other field, their record should inspire others to follow their example.

When I think about hardship today, vs what hardship looked like during the great depression, there is no doubt that most are far better off in material terms today than then. What we ought to ask ourselves is, are we better off in terms of the spirit and motivation that drives people to do and give their best daily?

Let the heroes of the past and present inspire you and yours to be and give your best! ##

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L. A. "Tony" Kovach