Maggie’s America's Greatest Generation

[dohnuts58]

As I was leaving Subway a couple minutes ago with my daughter, there was an older gentleman, wearing a WWII Veteran hat, and his lady ambling up the sidewalk. I had her stand to the side and held the door as they came walking up, and said simply "Thank you for your service sir." To which he replied, "Thank you, and you know the reason I wear this hat? So nobody will ever forget." I told him I don't believe anyone for the rest of time will forget, and he said "You know, my generation, we were only 21, and trying to save the world." I said that's exactly what they did, and that there are still those out there that know it and are greatly appreciative for it, and the couple went in to get a sandwich.

The last WWI Veteran, a Mr. Frank Woodruff Buckles, went to the warrior's final resting place February 2011, and we are loosing WWII veterans faster than I would care to think. I implore you, please do not forget these great warriors, shake a hand, hold a door, just say thank you and acknowledge them whenever you get the chance.

Frank Buckles - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[HillbillyfromAL]

Bump for a good read and great cause.

 

[30calDeath]

Every time a serviceman/woman comes into my place of business I thank them for their service to our country.

 

[FourFans]

Not sniper related, I know but:
I've been around the block a few times,, 3 years in a Marine rifle company(b1/7th), no war. 9 years in SAC mole-holes as a Buff Crew Chief, thank gawd no war. Cross train to a different career and airframe( E-3 FE),, finally get my war,, flew opening night of Desert Storm, 90 miles inside indian country in a handicaped 707( hope those fighter f*cks remember to care about me),, total of 337 combat / 1830 combat support hours. Been there in my own way,, by my own choice.
BUT,, every time I watch, read, or get first-hand, some of the things those guys did, EVERY time:

THE BALLS THAT TOOK.

Kinda humbling.
Proud of what I've done,as I'm sure we all are, proud to have worked myself into being up front, but, daaang.

I "had" three grandfathers who flew in WWII, worked/working hard to be half the man they were..

 

[downhill]

Several years ago I had the outstanding oppurtunity to visit with Retired Major J. Wells of Iowa Jima fame. Spent a few hours listening to the exploits of his men as they fought across the island. It was the most interesting afternoon I have ever experienced. Thank them when you can, shake their hand if you get a chance or just snap them a salute in passing. They damn sure deserve it all.

 

[mkollman74]

No question the WWII generation did amazingly brave and selfless things. They truly saved freedom. I have wondered lately though how a generation that survived the Great Depression and beat back fascism could raise such a narcissistic, self-important, and self-entitled generation of offspring... In other words, how did the "Greatest Generation" raise the "Me Generation" of the 60s?

 

[308Gunner]

My wifes granddad was on the USS Blessman, he was on the ship when it was hit by a kamikazi he was a boiler man and it killed everyone in the boiler room along with most of the UDTs they had aboard. The stories that he has told is very humbling, every soldier, sailor, airman and marine that has served protecting this country should be thanked without them we would be in a world of hurt.

 

[mkollman74]

My wifes granddad was on the USS Blessman, he was on the ship when it was hit by a kamikazi he was a boiler man and it killed everyone in the boiler room along with most of the UDTs they had aboard. The stories that he has told is very humbling, every soldier, sailor, airman and marine that has served protecting this country should be thanked without them we would be in a world of hurt.

Amen to that... My own graddad didn't like to talk about his experiences. My uncle was the same way. His son finally got him to sit down and share his experience during the Battle of the Bulge. Unbelievable sacrifices were made by so many...

 

[dohnuts58]

When I was at Quantico I was given the chance to escort for a couple of the Freedom/Honor Flights. The first gentleman I was asked to escort quickly made 2 demands, "get me my damned wheelchair" and "there ain't no rush, take your time so you don't hurt me." He asked several pointed questions, told him I went to Iraq twice , and he commented he didn't care much for the Iraq conflict. I began talking a lot less, as I was there to escort, not impart my views, and continued the walk around the memorial, I was pointing out random touches and facets, and muttered something about it really pissed me off for the kids to be playing in the pool, that was t how I wanted my grandfather honored. He asked what grandpa did, told him, and he suddenly starts talking about Normandy. I shut my trap and opened my ears REAL wide as he continued. He then pulled a couple pictures of him and some buddies, and a couple much more recent. Told me he was the last surviving of his squad, wanted to place the pictures at the monument, and explained that he had gone back for the 50th anniversary and every couple years since, but was unable to make this years trip due to deteriorating health. We then stopped and sat and talked for what seemed like a lifetime but was gone in an instant. I hope i can get back and help another great man to witness the gratitude that there is for them

 

[Chemguy]

No doubt. My great grandfather passed away in March. He grew up as a poor farm kid, enlisted in the Navy at 17 and fought for two years in the pacific during WWII. After the war he married his high school sweetheart, re-enlisted for another 4 years and after serving his time started working as a mechanic at an auto dealership. He worked his way up to salesman and eventually bought the place turning it into a successful enterprise. When he retired and sold the place he spent his time doing civic work for the Lions Club and Shiners. He was a very devout man and remainder faithful to my great-grandmother for their 67 years of marriage.

My wife and I took him and my grandmother out to lunch shortly before he went into hospital and I got him to reminisce about his life a bit. It was awesome to hear some of his stories.

There are not many folks like him around anymore and I was lucky to get to grow up around him.