Posted on Feb 16, 2019
What made the WW2 generation the “greatest generation”?
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I would argue that the accomplishments resulting from a full mobilization of the nation where every family had someone at risk gave us something in common. We are divided as a nation because we don’t have even 1 value that we all share. Is this the worst generation? Thoughts?
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Posted 6 y ago
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An animated data-driven documentary about war and peace, The Fallen of World War II looks at the human cost of the second World War and sizes up the numbers ...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DwKPFT-RioU
Thank you for starting this discussion sir, I am currently interested in the topic myself.
That generation of U.S. military men and women dealt with incredible challenges in all facets of political, strategical, and ethical realms. Their overall accomplishments are rightly admired by us today and I personally believe I am forever in their debt. I think the data in the attached video paints a n accurate picture of the immensity of the war, allowing us to better draw out the significance of those who fought in it. As well, I think American soldiers today read over the vast amount of heroic stories from WWII and quickly find several things to admire, most notably bravery, loyalty, and humility.
However, there are some points that I think rounds out the veneration of WWII times, if we observe these same realms of strategy, politics, and ethics. Consider that this generation is also responsible for some of the most horrifying acts of racism, sexism, and corruption/failure of leadership in our country's history. The most obvious being the tremendous atrocities committed against black people, who weren't even allowed the basic democratic dignity of being able to vote until 1965. Consider Anne Moody's firsthand account of such in "Coming of Age in Mississippi". Or, we could discuss the older members of the WWII generation and the early 20th century aspect of American history that saw some of the worst working conditions in history for the middle and lower classes. The entire narrative of Carnegie Steel comes to mind. Also, something not as well known is the chemical testing done by the Army on soldiers in WWII:
https://www.npr.org/2015/06/22/415194765/u-s-troops-tested-by-race-in-secret-world-war-ii-chemical-experiments
The idea of greatness is rightly attributed to the WWII generation as American warriors, but I believe venerating them as the ideal American people is neglecting deeper historical context. I admire their unity as a country in a lot of ways, but cannot forget their disunity in others. This is already in discussion here:
https://www.rallypoint.com/command-post/strategic-debate-the-wwii-era-truly-comprises-america-s-greatest-generation
Thank you for starting this discussion sir, I am currently interested in the topic myself.
That generation of U.S. military men and women dealt with incredible challenges in all facets of political, strategical, and ethical realms. Their overall accomplishments are rightly admired by us today and I personally believe I am forever in their debt. I think the data in the attached video paints a n accurate picture of the immensity of the war, allowing us to better draw out the significance of those who fought in it. As well, I think American soldiers today read over the vast amount of heroic stories from WWII and quickly find several things to admire, most notably bravery, loyalty, and humility.
However, there are some points that I think rounds out the veneration of WWII times, if we observe these same realms of strategy, politics, and ethics. Consider that this generation is also responsible for some of the most horrifying acts of racism, sexism, and corruption/failure of leadership in our country's history. The most obvious being the tremendous atrocities committed against black people, who weren't even allowed the basic democratic dignity of being able to vote until 1965. Consider Anne Moody's firsthand account of such in "Coming of Age in Mississippi". Or, we could discuss the older members of the WWII generation and the early 20th century aspect of American history that saw some of the worst working conditions in history for the middle and lower classes. The entire narrative of Carnegie Steel comes to mind. Also, something not as well known is the chemical testing done by the Army on soldiers in WWII:
https://www.npr.org/2015/06/22/415194765/u-s-troops-tested-by-race-in-secret-world-war-ii-chemical-experiments
The idea of greatness is rightly attributed to the WWII generation as American warriors, but I believe venerating them as the ideal American people is neglecting deeper historical context. I admire their unity as a country in a lot of ways, but cannot forget their disunity in others. This is already in discussion here:
https://www.rallypoint.com/command-post/strategic-debate-the-wwii-era-truly-comprises-america-s-greatest-generation
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1LT (Join to see)
Another point I often discuss with one of my mentors, a veteran from the 80's on into '08, is the idea of victory. We won WWII. We officially announced it in Europe, then in the Pacific. Then we held trials, signed treaties, and threw a parade. The war ended, and I think few things make a soldier happier than hearing "the war is over". That's something to be admired.
Our war efforts since Desert Storm haven't been so clear, and even then Desert Storm veterans often feel confused and robbed of their victory, given today's political activity. We don't have an end to our war on terrorism. Where's our victory day? When do we get a parade?
This isn't to discuss the complex nature of victory nor about seeking glory, but the rather simple aspect of a soldier experiencing some feeling of finality, and for that matter, the country.
Our war efforts since Desert Storm haven't been so clear, and even then Desert Storm veterans often feel confused and robbed of their victory, given today's political activity. We don't have an end to our war on terrorism. Where's our victory day? When do we get a parade?
This isn't to discuss the complex nature of victory nor about seeking glory, but the rather simple aspect of a soldier experiencing some feeling of finality, and for that matter, the country.
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1LT (Join to see)
LTC (Join to see) - Another good read, shares some of your sentiment:
https://www.rallypoint.com/command-post/vetspective-our-generation-our-time
https://www.rallypoint.com/command-post/vetspective-our-generation-our-time
VetSpective: Our Generation, Our Time | RallyPoint
Why are we unable to constructively move forward as a country? Some would say that it is because we are not exclusively looking towards the future. That we are unwilling to make changes necessary to progress. While there is merit to this argument, I think it assumes there is little that is of value from our past.If we exclusively look to the future, the disharmony and fractured nature of our society will only increase – unintentionally risking...
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Respect, attitude, and belief are what the Greatest generation had even among the thieves and beggars. Leaders had value, and respect not contempt. It would take a good beat down to regain those values. that's bad.
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I think it all comes down to what people believe in. I regularly visit and speak with my wife's grandfather... a WWII Marine vet. I've got to "know" my own grandfather (who died in the Pacific at 23) through his sketches, notes, and photos. These people believed in a United States that represented the best system of government, best quality of life, and highest principles on the planet. I don't think they were "closed minded", or "unaware"... I think they just knew which side they were one. By comparison, we (even the most conservative of us) seem less certain.
I'm sure that's because we've come of age under a cloud of doubt disguised as the "search for truth". We've been exposed to "truths" that compel us to spend all of our time sorting through the "attic" of the past... rather than building on the foundation towards the future.
I'm sure that's because we've come of age under a cloud of doubt disguised as the "search for truth". We've been exposed to "truths" that compel us to spend all of our time sorting through the "attic" of the past... rather than building on the foundation towards the future.
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