by Barbara Latta @barbaralatta
The second Sunday in August is recognized as National Spirit
of ’45 Day.
The era of the 40’s which comprised those who fought and lived during World War II has been designated as the Greatest Generation. But what brought about this illustrious title given to those who lived in a segment of time?
The world was in turmoil, countries were devastated, and survival depended upon winning.
No sacrifice was too great to ensure that our freedom and
safety remained intact.
Soldiers, sailors, airmen and women gave all.
The people on the home front made sacrifices too. They gathered
rubber tires, newspapers, and other supplies while living with food and
gasoline rations without complaint.
There was a spirit of unity. The population of the country
was behind the war effort. Celebrities encouraged the purchase of war bonds to
fund the war.
Heroes were applauded and given almost godlike status.
Few avoided serving.
History is filled with stories of heroism we don’t read
about in books or newspapers.
Military members that came home didn’t parade their medals,
instead they mourned their comrades who remained buried on the battlefield. (Not
to infer those of other generations didn’t.)
Women were willing to take on new roles by working in factories to produce
military materials.
I was born after this time, but my childhood was filled with
reading and hearing stories on TV, movies, and books about the conflict that
tore the world apart. No sacrifice was considered too costly to defeat Nazism and Imperialism. Stories of torture and the deaths of prisoners of war made us weep.
And we saluted those who served. We looked at the Stars and
Stripes and said the Pledge of Allegiance with pride. The cost of why this
banner still flew never left our country.
Today few veterans of Greatest Generation are left. If we
know some, we can show our appreciation to them by visiting and finding out
what they may need. If we are not
personally acquainted with service members of this era, we can keep this spirit
of hard work and sacrifice alive by continuing to educate the younger ones about
what freedom really means.
- Make museum visits a regular routine.
- Review movies and documentaries that relay events, not just Hollywood hype.
- Teach about citizenship and civics.
- Listen to veteran’s stories.
- Recognize veterans at all times not merely during military holidays.
The Spirit of ’45 WW II Wall of Honor Project to commemorate
the 75th anniversary of World War II was scheduled for August 2020 but the
covid* outbreak forced a revision. You can still read more about it on their
website.
As these heroes leave us one by one, it will be up to the
current and future generations to maintain the history of our country. This is
one area Titus 2 women can help with remembrances of our families and nation.
May we never forget the Greatest Generation. The legacy from
76 years ago can teach us more about patriotism as we learn the truth about a
time America experienced “a date which will live in infamy.”
How can you observe National Spirit of ’45 Day? Join the
conversation and share your thoughts.
*I don’t give this virus credence by capitalizing it!
TWEETABLES
How can you observe National Spirit of ’45 Day? (click totweet)
What made the Greatest Generation great? (click to tweet)
Barbara, I love the spirit of this post and the suggestion to take children to museums. Another great idea you share is "listening to veterans'stories." Before my husband's step-father died, we videoed the account of his WWII service as he shared with our adult children. Excellent post
ReplyDeleteOh Jeannie, what a great idea and a treasure you have for future generations. I wish I had my dad and grandpa on video sharing some of their experiences. I hope all veterans will always be remembered for their service to our country. Thanks for sharing. Blessings!
DeleteWe must teach what has happened. God bless the veterans. They're on my heart today.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Nancy. May we always remember our veterans and what they have done for us. Blessings!
DeleteGod bless the veterans and God bless you! Thank you for this article and your suggestions. We must teach the next generation.
ReplyDeleteThank you for stopping by and sharing. Blessings!
DeleteThank you, Barbara, for taking this opportunity to honor the men and women of the Greatest Generation. My father fought in Europe and my mother did her part to participate in supporting the war from the homefront. I pray we never forget their sacrifices. As you point out, it is up to us to share with the younger generations. We needed your reminder.
ReplyDeleteKatherine, I pray we never forget what they did as well. The work on the home front was important also as that is what kept our troops supplied with materials, prayer, and love. Your mother and other women contributed and made sacrifices as a hometown soldier. Thanks for stopping by. Blessings!
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