The Greatest Generation

Several years ago my son, Joshua, was taking a history class in high school. He brought home a book titled, "The Greatest Generation," written by Tom Brokaw. The book was written in 1998 after the 50th anniversary of the D-Day invasion. It cronicles many individuals whose lives were shaped by World War II and then returned to America to help shape our nation. Joshua read it and remarked how much he liked it. I started reading it and read several pages and then as I do sometimes I put it down and let it slip through my memory. About two weeks ago I picked it back up. As I read the stories of the lives of these men and women, I again was impressed with how they lived their lives as young fighting men and women and then returned to families and careers and rebuilding America. I have always been impressed how they didn't use their military careers to hinder their progress back in the states, but used it to promote healthy lifestyles. I have had the privilege of meeting and talking with several WWII veterans. I can remember walking the grounds of "The Mighty Eighth Army Museum" in Savannah, GA. with Harry Whitlock. I watched with awe as this man then in his seventies walked around and pointed out several places he had seen from the sky of his B-29 bomber. As we walked into the room where they had the replica of the bomber he walked me up to the bottom gun turret and told me a riviting story of having a german pilot in his sights and then the gun jamming. As soon as the pilot moved away the gun began to fire. He looked at me and said. "I'm kinda glad the gun didn't shoot, that man may be enjoying his grandchildren like I do." I watched as he and Olin Powell another Eighth Army veteran walked around the museum and we found their names on the tablets of honor displayed in the museum. They were both mesmerised at the fact because from both of their lips came the acknowledgement that they were both just doing their job. They both came home to successful careers and rasied great families. I also have been the reciepent of the friendship of Robert A. (Bob) Carter. Bob lives in the Dallas, TX. area. I got to know Bob through his father-in-law that I helped take care of for several years. Bob is a very distinguished gentlemen in his eighties. He is still a dear friend and we talk several times a year. As I got to know Bob I would have never guess what he went through in WWII. Bob was a young Navy man stationed in Hawaii and his ship was docked next to the Arizona when the attack of Pearl Harbor took place. I had know Bob for several years before I found out about this information. One Christmas when he and his father-in-law were eating Christmas dinner with us he gave me and my family the details. He would not talk about it easily. He spoke of daylight turning to dark and going about his duties for hours on end almost as if a robot. It was not until late in the evening that he discovered that he had been wounded with shell fragments all up and down his legs. I did not get much more information until one day we were together driving and he spoke of being in the water after a ship he was on was sunk. He returned home and made the Navy a career. He was married and had four children and was a very successful person in making America great. Since moving to Greenville I have had the privilege of meeting several men who served our country in WWII. I am amazed at the courage and status of these men and the lives they have lived fighting for our country and making our country great. It has been my privilege to talk to Howard Addis and J. B. Burns and here of some of their exploits on foreign soil.
As I have talked to these men and read about the experiences in the book I am forever grateful for my freedom as an American. It got me to Just Thinking! The very fact that many men and women didn't return from the war but gave the ultimate sacrifice for my freedom is sometimes overwhelming. It makes me Think a great deal. I cannot help but to be compare their sacrifices with the sacrifice of my spiritual freedom. As many fought and died for my countries freedom, one died and lived for my spiritual freedom. His exploits can be found by reading the Bible. I recommend both of these books very highly. Also, I am interested in hearing from veterans of WWII who would share their story. Also from family members of veterans who have a story to share. As the last of this Greatest Generation live we must never allow their memories to fade away. We must always remember their contributions to a life well lived.
David