Thank you for the wonderful post.
Indeed, the greatest generation.
ping
Years ago, he said he had worked for Patton refueling his tanks. That's the only thing he ever told me; never said more. He took quiet pride at keeping in shape and his proud wife kept her promise to him to bury him in his actual original army dress uniform with attending brass all polished up fine (including a whistle hanging from his left chest pocket).
Today was the first time I ever saw his uniform and in his casket I saw his lapels each had brass shield-like medalions that read, "Toujours Pret" and his epaulets each carried a triangular-shaped battle citation saying "Remagen" across the 1" base. His wife said, "Yes, he was there when the bridge came down".
I salute you Tommy and me and my family will remember what you did for us always. May the Good Lord Bless you and keep you.
No, I don't think so.
For young men to fight well is not unique. Indeed, it's in their nature to do such things, and at the time they consider themselves immortal; it takes considerable exposure to death around them to disabuse them of that idea.
They have not done well in the area of governing, allowing the gradual slide to socialism that is now coming to a head.
I believe the greatest generation must be shared by the founders and the WWI generation.
The founders fought for a new idea, with few resources, against great odds, perservered, and performed admirably after winning.
The WWI generation fought a horrific trench war with gas and mass casualties, returned to a depression & the dust bowl, raised families in spite of it all....then gave their children to the country to face the horrors they had once faced themselves.
Fighting as a young man is easy; but then to know your sons will have to do it, but giving them to your country anyway, is greatness itself, for loving your country enough to give her that which you love most is the ultimate sacrifice.