I'm half way through "The Greatest Generation" by Tom Brokaw. He claims, perhaps rightfully so, that the men and women who went through the Great Depression and WW II were members of the greatest generation America has seen in the past 100 years.

They suffered, they fought, and, if they survived, they rebuilt our nation. They were of all social classes, farm boys to actors and athletes. They were hard workers, loyal to their country, family, and God. And, naturally, those surviving today, are from the "old school"--the school of hard knocks. Conservative, ethical, unforgiving.

Brokaw may well be right about his assessment of this generation, but I think he has over generalized. Today's soldiers aren't much different than they were. The latest Purple Heart recipient is a good example. Like the "old timers", he's reluctant to reflect on his experiences and too modest to brag about accomplishments.

The next generation of "baby boomers" were considered "softer". After Korea, we had 15 years of peace. When the Vietnam conflict happened, we became a divided nation. Those old warriors (and their children) couldn't understand the pacification movement beginning in the late 60s. I mean, the hippies, Woodstock and Altamount, Kent St., peaceniks, McGovern? What's happening to MY America?, they asked.

Here we are, nearly 69 years after Pearl Harbor was attacked. Most of the soldiers have died. My generation remembers, because we've heard the stories directly. I appreciate and am thankful for the sacrifices made by my parent's generation. But I don't think they were any greater than any other so-called generation. (We have a habit of dividing history up into decades and generations, thereby generalizing periods of time.)

There are other "battles" to be fought in this day in age. So much has changed from my parent's time to my children's (and grandchildren). Respect and honor the past. Look to and build for the future.