Passing of a Generation

12B4S · 06-06-2005, 03:18

My daughter sent this to me several days ago. In honor of these people, thier generations and the anniversary of D-Day, I figured I'd link it here. MSGT Roy Benavidez is included as well.
http://www.wtv-zone.com/Mary/PASSINGOFGENERATION.HTML

Abu Jack · 06-06-2005, 06:01

Great Post. Thanks

dennisw · 06-06-2005, 09:14

Your post was in line with my thinking lately. I was depressed yesterday for various reasons. We had just finished erecting a 105' foot bridge between anew Norstroms and a parking structure in an upscale mall in Irvine, CA. I wanted to take some pictures so my wife and I went there on Sunday. In looking at the folks who were crowding the mall and was blown away by their outward appearance which from a subjective standpoint seemed to express a strong sense of materialism and superficiality. Apparently I need to get out more.

I thought about the WWII generation and the obvious contrast. Unfortunately, I then thought about my sons in the armed forces and all the folks who are with them and the following thought struck me: Are these folks in the mall worth the sacrafice? I hate feeling that way, but I can only take so many 45 year old women with giant fake tits and belly shirts.

The epitome of culture? I hope not. Am I the only one who feels this?

**Razor** · 06-06-2005, 09:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by dennisw

Unfortunately, I then thought about my sons in the armed forces and all the folks who are with them and the following thought struck me: Are these folks in the mall worth the sacrafice?

They, individually, may not be per se; however, the country as a whole, and more importantly, what it represents, is. Being part of something far greater than you could ever become individually was incredibly satisfying for me.

CPTAUSRET · 06-06-2005, 10:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by Razor

They, individually, may not be per se; however, the country as a whole, and more importantly, what it represents, is. Being part of something far greater than you could ever become individually was incredibly satisfying for me.

G:

Damn!

That is well said, indeed!

Terry

Gypsy · 06-06-2005, 17:27

Lest we forget...God Bless them all.

"You will bring about the destruction of the German war machine, the elimination of Nazi tyranny over the oppressed peoples of Europe, and security for ourselves in a free world.

Your task will not be an easy one. Your enemy is well trained, well equipped, and battle-hardened. He will fight savagely.

But this is the year 1944. Much has happened since the Nazi triumphs of 1940-41.

The United Nations have inflicted upon the Germans great defeat in open battle man to man. Our air offensive has seriously reduced their strength in the air and their capacity to wage war on the ground.

Our home fronts have given us an overwhelming superiority in weapons and munitions of war and placed at our disposal great reserves of trained fighting men.

The tide has turned.

The free men of the world are marching together to victory. I have full confidence in your courage, devotion to duty, and skill in battle.

We will accept nothing less than full victory.

Good luck, and let us all beseech the blessings of Almighty God upon this great and noble undertaking."

Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower

Picture: American parachutists parade at Sainte-Mere-Eglise, northern France, Sunday, June 5, 2005, to commemorate the Allied D-Day landings of World War II. Rain dampened plans for about 150 military parachutists, including Germans that were to take part for the first time, to leap over the first Normandy town freed from the Nazis.

**The Reaper** · 06-06-2005, 18:09

That truly was a great generation. De Oppresso Liber could have been the motto that day.

Thanks to all those who went before us, and the sacrifices you made so that we could live our lives as free men.

I hope that we do not disappoint you with our performance.

RIP, prayers, memories, and respect to all.

TR

12B4S · 06-08-2005, 02:45

Read all the posts. I've tried to start this one for an hour now. Doing the quote thing just wouldn't work, I'd have to quote it all. Not to mention trying to inject my upbringing and the way the Country was as I grew up.

Grade school and High School.... An American Flag in every classroom. Started EVERY day in Grade school with the Pledge to Allegiance. School calendars, showed Christmas, Easter and such.

I was fortunate enough as I went through the years, decades, to talk to Veterans who fought in WW1 and WW2. Including Germans. My Grandfather served in WW1, my father in WW2. It was always an honor, not to mention an incredible experience to talk to these folks. Any chance I might get now, as we are losing them, I'll jump on in a heartbeat.

The guys serving since or now, won't let them down TR. You havn't, those you commanded didn't, Razor, Terry, Abu Jack and the rest of the guys didn't. No more than dennisw's son will. Any more than the guys on my Team did.

No dennis, doubt you're the only one that feels that way. Yet a great testament to this Country. We are in a war, Americans are dying....... and back here, to most, it's business, fun, screwing around as if nothing was going on. Especially with the MTV crowd. That Didn't come out quite right. Meant, the Country continues to prosper, people living thier lives like normal. I have an old WW2 stamp ration book, that belonged to my mother. Although a small example, it shows the difference between then and now. No, we don't need to go to that extreme now. Just demonstrates the Love of Country back then by the overwhelming majority. Damn.

Well that was a ton of of stuff, I could have said a hell of alot easier, condensed into type. So I'll stop shortcutting now.