A while back Tom Brokaw wrote a book called THE GREATEST GENERATION, followed by AN ALBUM OF MEMORIES - good reading.
My friend Charlie always spent his summers in Canada (Prince Edward Island). I warned him that breathing that clean air would kill him but he just laughed (he laughed alot). He died there this summer.
Charlie and I spent many hours talking politics. He was an engineer by trade but had a Masters in Political Science. For a while he was active in politics and was elected to the Arizona state legislature. He left politics to become a builder and constructed public buildings across the country (including Boston City Hall), two houses for Frank Lloyd Wright and the runways at DFW airport. He once told me, "An opinion, unlike a building, can be built with or without a foundation". Charlie served in WW2 and Korea, knew the depression and hard times, witnessed and contributed to the rise of the nation, and mourned its declines.
This is not an obit for Charlie - his resume just reflects a generation that is going away each day. If you have a friend or relative that is part of that great dying generation, take some time to let them know they are appreciated. Take it from one who knows - you'll be glad you did.
Dono

 

I don't what to think of the people in that genration.
That book also said that because of the WWII and the great depression and all those other things that it is hard for those people to show any emotion.Also Tom went on to say that people in that generation were hard on people to make them prepare you for what troubles they may face. I tried to get know my grandpa(that book really refected who he was). I felt like a complete stranger to him. I'd help him out when ever I could.all I got was critism. I could never talk to him in a way that it felt that he was pround of me and my accplishments(I would been better off talking to a wall) .Everything I did he made it sound like I was a complete fool for doing it. consumer reports was his bible if bought any thing that was rated meduim or poor that is what made you a fool in his eyes. I regret I didn't meet the man that everyone talked about at his funneral. I respect him for what he did but don't understand how any human being could shut out a member of their family like that. I am thankful that I havn't had that kind relationship with anybody else from that generation.

 

Not much to add myself. My ole man was a vet. USAF. The generation you speak of has lasted many years, and it's up to us "other" generation(s) to make sure the memories stay alive.
I never got to really know my dad. Hey was always away defending this Country as well as others. He experienced many things, I hope we never repeat. All I got to do was learn a great song..... This land is my land... Alot of people believe I was born old in many ways.. I always say... I was too young not to understand, but not old enough to do anything about it.
My ole man died of alchoholism. I never new him.....