The Greatest Generation

[Kanewpadle]

What does that statement mean to you?

I've talked to a few that were insulted by that statement because it did not include wars that were fought after WWII.

I respectfully submit that if you think that the Greatest Generation has any other meaning, other than what was intended by Tom Brokaw, you don't know your history very well.

That is merely my opinion however.

 

[Rustyt1953]

And a valid opinion it is.

My dad, a depression kid and ETO combat vet, died having never heard the term "greatest generation".
If he had, I'm sure he would have said "twern't nothin'".

 

[jack the toad]

And a valid opinion it is.

My dad, a depression kid and ETO combat vet, died having never heard the term "greatest generation".
If he had, I'm sure he would have said "twern't nothin'".

Having friends and family that served during that era (WW2), IMO, that phrase is typical of what makes them part of that generation.

 

[wbraswell]

I will say that maybe "they" weren't the the greatest generation, but they sure had the greatest obstacles to overcome. The depression, and the biggest war of all, with a clear objective and definite conclusion. I think other generations could have met these challenges as well, but it happened on their watch. They faced these head on when America was on the brink, according to many, and emerged from the fray as a Superpower.

 

[pawngal]

I agree with your and Tom Brokaw's opinion as to the Greatest Generation, not just because of the men & women who fought the war but also because the entire country(with a very few exceptions) was united in overcoming the depression and the ultimate war effort. Everyone was involved, Victory Gardens, Rationing, War Bonds, Red Cross home front work, USO clubs.

We were truly the "UNITED" States.

 

[357-RevolverGuy]

To me it means my grandfather (WWII), great grandfather (WWI), and great-great grandfather (American Civil War). I feel like my own generation, though we've had our accomplishments, and anyone that came after doesn't deserve the honor to be called "the greatest".

 

[finesse_r]

It is a term I never use and consider misleading. The greatest generation to my mind was certainly those that freed us from the federal government of England, not those that increased our servitude to the current federal government.

 

[Brian41]

I give that term to those during WWII as all others can use their own terms and free to do so in my opinion.
I had many relatives and friends that fought in WWII or stayed home and supported troops working in factories plus dealt with rationing. Many never made it back or later died from causes from that war.
But for the life of me I've never known a more humble lot as all would say their efforts were nothing as all others were doing the same. Maybe that's what it's like when the whole country comes together for a cause but just haven't seen that in my post WWII lifetime. I thought maybe we'd see it right after 9/11 but the spirit was short lived then.

 

[Donn]

Had the utmost respect for the "Greatest Generation," till I became a veteran myself. The disdain that some, (not all), showed Vietnam vets put a bad taste in my mouth. Took me 30+ years to go near a VFW post again.

 

[BAM-BAM]

I can see the greatest generation including those who fought in the Korean "War".......

There were many who fought in both....... many were young teens during WWII and grew up in the Depression ...............

By Vietnam....... attitudes had changed..... and most of the enlisted were born after WWII and had little if any memory of Korea.........

We were more of the.............

"duck and Cover Generation"


LOL....... fire and "duck and cover" drills ......1958 to about 1966/67.

 

[BLACKHAWKNJ]

They dealt with the twin challenges of the Great Depression and WWII. In my case my old man was a WWII vet but he walked out on me when I was 6 hence he's a WPOS in my book.
IMHO the people of the Civil War faced much greater challenges. But they're beyond living memory now.

 

[shouldazagged]

Pawngal correctly talked about how the entire country emerged from the Depression to fight a war whose consequences for civilization, had the Allies lost it, would have been unimaginably terrible.

If you want more insight into that generation and that war, from the home front perspective, read studs Terkel's brilliant oral history The Good War.

And before that you might want to read Terkel's Hard Times, about the Depression. It will shed more light on The Good War.

I also recommend watching the Ken Burns mini-series "The War". It's very well done and fascinating to watch.

 

[jinx]

My Dad was one of the soldiers of the greatest generation. All the soldiers and the folks at home teamed up and did no less than save the world. And as mentioned above, emerged a super power.
For some time now I have prayed for another Teddy Roosevelt. Speak softly and carry a big stick.

 

[Faulkner]

It's just a generational name and a complimentary one at that. I fall in the late Baby Boomer or early GenX time frame (and consider myself a Baby Boomer). I certainly admire the values and work ethic exhibited by the Greatest Generation.


The Greatest Generation: Born 1910 - 1925
The Silent Generation: Born 1923 - 1944
Baby Boomer Generation: Born 1945 - 1964
Generation X: Born 1961 - 1981
The Millennials: Born 1975 - 1995
Generation Z: Born 1995 - 2015

 

[e3mrk]

While My Father was in the Navy in WW-2 My Mother was a Air Raid Warden,They were dating at the time but it shows that Everyone pulled Their weight and pitched in back Then.Not like it is now.

 

[Jessie]

There's the greatest in every generation, I think.
It depends on the circumstances whether they're known or not.
WWII was the ultimate circumstance and many rose to the occasion.
Korea was kept "under the radar" somewhat, but just as many rose to that occasion. The same with Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan. Many, many honorable and heroic people from all generations.
It's a matter of perspective.

 

[Old 44 Guy]

I was kid during WW2. Just right for Korea but served 9 years in the National Guard. I worked with several guys from WW2. All are heros in my estimation. One survived terrible burns when serving on a carrier that was hit by a Kamikasi off Okinawa. Another was wounded invading Sipain. Another ran a railroad from the Gulf Of Aden to Russia, They delivered 200 cars full of war material to Russia but none was ever returned including the cars. Another loaded P-38's Foto recon camera , unarmed over Europe. I also worked with 3 others, all in the Navy at Pearl Harbor, all on different ships, never each other until working for Ma Bell. Also, my hero Dutch Falkell. USMC.Started as a 2 Lt.in 1940. Saw a lot of action in 4 major South Pacific campaigns. Siapan, Tinian, Okininawa, & another I can't remember.Wound up a Major because most of the officers were gone. All are gone now but I value their friendship greatly

 

[zelda]

My PaPa fought the Japanese. Fathered Mom. Taught Dad to hunt, reload, cast bullets. 'Learned' me to shoot a 45 at 8. He was a MARINE and loved GOD. He was the ''Greatest Generation''