Happy October! Some musings from the back porch, on an October morning……I’m proud to say that my dad is a member of the Greatest Generation. He’s 87 years old and a veteran of World War II. His early life was very turbulent, I think, because his parents separated ~ quite uncommon in those days~ and he was forced to live with his grandmother during that time. He and his sister were separated during this period, because she stayed with their mother. Their parents eventually reunited, but it was a stormy relationship, from what I’m told.
My dad wanted to join the Marines at 17, but his parents wouldn’t sign the paperwork; so he waited until he was 18 years old. During that time he courted my mom, his high school sweetheart. She was the drum major of the band and, I might say, a beautiful gal in every way..They were married before he left for the North Atlantic on a small destroyer escort ship. Those early experiences shaped their entire future, as is probably true for most of those young couples who gave everything they had to serve our nation.
What was it about the Greatest Generation, as they’ve been called? Well, they grew up with a strong faith in God and His provision for their lives, no matter the situation. Secondly, they were taught to aim high, work hard, and become self-reliant members of society. They worshipped God and attended church regularly. They believed in personal integrity ~ honesty, genuineness, and sincerity. They were, and still are, very stoic and incredibly strong.
Today my dad still attends church regularly. Sadly, my mom has been gone now for six years. My dad still lives by the principles of personal integrity that guided him through a long, loving marriage and a successful career with Exxon Mobil.
He goes down to the church on Monday to help count the coins that are collected during worship on Sunday. He helps with innumerable odd jobs around the church building and is, most likely, indispensible to them.
When I look at him objectively and look at our culture of today, I see a massive difference. Who are our heroes? The heroes of today are those who still selflessly serve our nation, like my dad. Those who would die for you today if called to do so. And I’m not talking about politicians, either. Today countless men and women are somewhere in this world, risking their lives and their futures to keep America free. They are the unsung heroes of our nation. If I didn’t know so many of them, I might not comprehend the sacrifices they are making. But I do; many are family members. And I just want to say that if you value your freedom, pray for and support our military. They are the valiant heroes who stand between you and the tyrants of the world who want to take America down. And remember the Greatest Generation ~ we can learn a lot from their example. There aren’t that many of them around these days, but what they’ve contributed to our nation cannot be replaced. And let’s think about this, What would you and I be willing to give up? What would we be willing to sacrifice? For our faith, our families, our nation..
Thank you, Dad! And sincere gratitude to ALL who have served, or who are now serving. We owe you a debt we can never repay.
Well said! If I can be half the man my father is, I will be satisfied.
You are every bit the man that he is! Don’t ever sell yourself short. You’re one of the toughest, bravest, strongest, smartest, most tenacious people I’ve ever known. And I always kinda figured you got those qualities from Mom~ truth is that they are two very special and inspiring people. Love you Paul.