I grew up in the era of World War II. There was a solemn respect for all Americans who served in the European and Pacific theaters. My family members were in the Pacific conflict.
I have been watching the HBO series called “Pacific”. It follows a Marine named John Basilone in the early 1940’s. He was one lean, mean fighting machine. He wins a Metal of Honor for his exploits in storming the beaches in the Phillipines early in World War II. His obligation to the Marines and our Country ultimately ends but he requests to go back. He is again a hero on the shores of Iwo Jima but is killed. As he lays on the beach dying, there is an understanding that our soldiers did what they felt they had to do. Basilone gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country. He wouldn’t have had it any other way. He did it for us.
Today we have people who burn flags in the name of freedom of speech. We can’t put up a Christmas tree in the town square because we might offend someone. We allow people who aren’t even citizens to decide the direction of our country. John Basilone would cry!
In Milwaukee an “Honor Flight” was arranged through donated dollars. A 747 took 300 Veterans from World War II to Washington D.C. to witness the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier followed by a visit to the new World War II Memorial. The Veterans got to pay tribute to their fallen comrades and tell stories of the sacrifices that were made. Most Veterans are now in their mid 80’s and find it difficult to travel. But they came! Men and women in wheel chairs and on crutches. Some had never been on an airplane. As they told their stories, one couldn’t help but get a lump in the throat. They deserve to be called the Greatest Generation.
The lesson Grasshoppers is that we have a rich and storied history. People died to make sure we have the freedoms and opportunity we have. It sometimes feels like things are sliding away. Don’t let it happen. This Country is yours. It is worth fighting for.
Love,
Dad