Embarrassed
by Robert J. Grady (Lt Col USAF ret)
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 a 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
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, Country.
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