All citizens of the USA should remember this!!!!!
I was embarrassed to read that President Clinton and his
advisors have said, “The older generation must learn to
sacrifice as other generations have done”
That’s my generation. I knew eventually someone would
ferret out the dirty secret: we’ve lived the “lifestyle of
the rich and famous” all our lives. Now, I know I must bare
the truth about my generation and let the country condemn us
for our selfishness.
During the Depression we had an hilarious time dancing to
the tune of “Brother Can You Spare A Dime?” We could choose
to dine at any of the country’s fabulous soup kitchens,
often joined by our parents and siblings…those were the
heady days of carefree self-indulgence.
Then, with World War II, the cup filled to overflowing. We
had the chance to bask on the exotic beaches of Guadalcanal,
Iwo Jima and Okinawa; to see the capitols of Europe and
travel to such scenic spots as Bastogne, Malmedy and Monte
Cassino. Of course, one of the most exhilarating adventures
was the stroll from Bataan to the local Japanese hotels,
laughingly known as death camps.
But the good times really rolled for those lucky enough to
be on the beaches of Normandy for the swimming and boating
that pleasant June day in ’44.
Unforgettable.
Even luckier were those that drew the prized holiday tickets
for cruises on sleek, gray cruise ships to fun filled spots
like Midway, The Solomons and Murmansk.
Instead of asking, “What can we do for our country,” an
indulgent government let us fritter away our youth wandering
idly through the lush and lovely jungles of Burma and New
Guinea.
Yes, it’s all true: we were pampered; we were spoiled
rotten; we never did realize what sacrifice meant. We envy
you, Mr. Clinton, the harsh lessons you learned in London,
Moscow and Little Rock.
My generation is old, Mr. President…and guilty; but we are
repentant.
Punish us for our failings, sir, that we may learn the true
meaning of Duty, Honor, and Country.
Robert J. Grady, Lt. Col., USAF (Ret), Colorado Springs