A bit over eight years ago the remaining American World War II generation and its progeny experienced something akin to what Boomers’ grandparents did in 1941. A devastating attack on our soil, as history has shown, isn’t a very bright strategy when dealing with America/Americans. Though we’re known historically for our so-called ‘robust’ political give and take, when it comes down to it, deep down we’re a pretty much “Praise the Lord, and pass the ammunition” kinda people.
The origin for that well known tune, was Chaplin Howell Forgy, who was stationed aboard USS New Orleans during the attack on Pearl Harbor. The men on the ship were bolstered by his words, as it lent a sense of mission, reminding them of who they were, and where they all came from.
That generation, for so many reasons, has been called the best generation. Though the draft was in full force, the only delay in volunteering for military service the days following Pearl Harbor was deciding which branch in which to serve, and with whom you were gonna volunteer — your buddies and family. We’ve all heard the stories, seen the newsreels and the documentaries showing long lines outside draft board offices, made up of volunteers mostly.
Today in conversation with Max Whitmore, he told me of his father, at or near 40 at the time, with four kids, joining the Navy. It was commonplace.
So many, too many, never returned, contributing their very lives, just as they were in full bloom, to freedom’s price — which is military victory. We’ve enjoyed what they purchased at such a precious cost for over half a century.
As a freedom loving nation, over the years we’ve paid that price for millions around the world. Most of Europe and much of Asia owes their freedom to Americans who paid it. Even our enemies, those we defeated, were not only allowed by us to grow in freedom, in some cases we remained to show them how.
Uncle Dick turns 80 this Saturday, and we’ll all be there. He was born just weeks after the crash of ’29. Fought in both Korea and Viet Nam as a fighter pilot, flying countless hundreds of missions, many at night. Yet, like those who came before him, he shrugs it off as merely doing what was needed.
Don’t allow today to pass without thanking a military man or woman for their service. If you can find one from WW II, all the better, as there are so few left. They didn’t just save America back then, they saved the world. We can’t ever stop thanking them.
For the freedom enjoyed by Americans — to all those now serving, and to military veterans everywhere — thank you from the bottom of America’s heart. We know where we’d be today without your sacrifice.
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