Today is Veterans Day and this weekend was the 75th anniversary of Kristallnacht. It also happened to me my grandmothers 92nd birthday. As I looked around her house yesterday at the faded pictures, some of them of servicemen, it made me sad to think of the wealth of knowledge and heroism that generation represents - and how quickly our access to their minds is fading. I dont know why Ive always been fascinated with history, and particularly World War II. Maybe its because of my innate curiosity to try and understand something that is so incomprehensible; maybe its because both of my grandfathers served, one as a naval officer and the other as a bomber pilot; or maybe its because Im in complete awe of the regular people who consistently did such remarkable, selfless things, things I know deep down I couldnt do. But I do know this. The only debt conversation that Im passionate about isnt a fiscal one. Its the debt we owe, and the World owes, to that generation. All of our Veterans are more than worthy of being honored and Im in awe of all of them. But if you have grandparents alive and healthy today, ask them about their lives so we can learn from them. Whatever grit they were born with or cultivated over time, we need now. I want to know how Tom Hawthorne and crew survived a torpedo attack. I want to know how Richard Peacocks plane held together despite the endless pock markings from German flak. And I want to know how in the world they went on after.
Posted on: Mon, 11 Nov 2013 20:58:12 +0000
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