JUST MY TWO CENTS….
Being almost seven decades old and having served in the military and law enforcement for almost
30 years, I'm getting asked more frequently today, “what are your thoughts
about this global crisis?”
Since you asked...
From the question, I have learned many are really wondering about how scared should they be during these unprecedented times. They are wondering if we can get through this global pandemic. How resilient are we as a nation? What can or should we do?
Have you ever spoken to a person who lived through The Great Depression? How about World War II?
Perhaps it's time for us to sit down and have a chat with
those in our world who have experienced difficult and challenging times long before many of us were born.
I'm talking about the Greatest Generation. A
generation that persevered through the Great Depression and World War II. A
generation that witnessed some of the most dramatic changes in American history.
Their perseverance through difficult times has been called a “testament to
their extraordinary character”. This generation is often credited with much of
the freedom and affluence that Americans enjoy today.
Many of the Greatest Generation watched
young men between the ages of 18 and 26 go off to war in countries on the
other side of their world. There were no cell phones, internet or nightly news
broadcasts to keep them informed. Often, family members were gone for several
years.
At the same time, those remaining behind stepped up and took jobs in the workforce, doing whatever was necessary
to keep their families and neighborhoods safe and healthy. Many families only had
gas and food ration cards to allow them to get by day-to-day.
Instead of being concerned about protecting themselves, young
and old came together as a nation to ensure we all succeeded.
Our older family members and friends can share stories with
us about the importance of staying calm, supporting the community, and taking care
of others. The Greatest Generation can
give us the courage to know we will come out on the other side of this global challenge.
They know we will not only persevere together, but we will be stronger, wiser
and better prepared because of the experience.
We know there will be sacrifices and losses along the way. But,
nothing like they witnessed. They would tell us we all need to put this
pandemic in perspective and understand that our leaders are simply asking us to be
patient and calm and to stay away from others, to allow our leadership and the medical community
the necessary time to equip and prepare.
Since we are spending more time in our homes, It's also a
great time. To read Tom Brokaw's book, “The Greatest Generation”,
or any other books which share stories of commitment, courage, and perseverance of
Americans at one of their most difficult times. It will give you the strength to
know “we’ve got this.”
This is not time not to hoard food and supplies, but to gather
facts and use our common sense. We need to understand what each of us is
supposed to do to be a value to our community.
Let us not underestimate the courage and dedication of our
medical professionals, emergency services workers, firefighters, police and
scientists who have no choice, but to serve at a time when they know their
safety may be at risk.
Sadly, many of the Greatest
Generation are now gone. But, if your
grandparents or great-grandparents are still living, give them a call. Ask them about how America worked as a
nation together. If not, talk to someone else's grandparents or great
grandparents. Right now, they would probably love the opportunity to share
their wisdom and counsel, and to simply…. hear from you.
Just My Two Cents….
