GLASGOW —
Over the last five weeks, I have had the privilege of listening to five of our local World War II veterans tell their stories. I have shared tears and hugs with them, squinted over maps with them and admired 70-year-old photographs. Privilege doesn’t really begin to describe the experience. It’s been an honor, a blessing and some of my favorite moments of being a journalist.
After one of those interviews, I came home to my husband (we’re both 24), and asked him, “Do you really think they are the Greatest Generation, or do you think one day when we’re that age we’ll be looked at that way?”
Dave told me in no uncertain terms that the generation of World War II is just better than our generation, and we won’t catch up even as we age.
I wish I had some philosophical or inspirational thoughts on why the Greatest Generation is so great or how my generation could improve itself, but I don’t. What I do have is an immense appreciation for the generation of my grandparents who have set such an incredible example for us all to follow. When I was 17, my biggest worry was going to college in a different state than my boyfriend. When these men were 17, they were signing themselves up for war.
For the full column, read the Nov. 16 print or e-Edition of the Glasgow Daily Times.
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