The Greatest Generation
OPINION —
The Greatest Generation includes people born between 1901 and 1927. There are lessons and core values that we can learn from them, not only to strengthen our own personal lives but to strengthen our society as a whole. Let’s keep in mind this is the generation that suffered through the Great Depression and went on to fight World War II. I absolutely love my friends who are part of the Greatest Generation. They patiently teach this Baby Boomer so much, and I wanted to share some characteristics of this Greatest Generation which we can put to heart to live by.
- The Greatest Generation has a great sense of responsibility. During the Great Depression, young children had to grow up fast. From history we learn the Greatest Generation did not have a normal childhood of free play, fun and learning. By the teenage years, many young men and women had to take on adult responsibilities of working to support large families and/or maintaining the home front while both mother and father had to work. We learn to be leaders through seasons of responsibility like this. The Greatest Generation talk about how they “made do” with what they had because everyone was having to struggle. Neighbors reached out and helped each other as they could.
- The Greatest Generation communicates through letters. They time to write letters to their families and friends. What a blessing it has truly been in my life to help my elderly friends put stamps on all their letters and cards. They always remember birthdays, graduations, weddings and anniversaries. At Christmas I have been so fascinated at how many cards are sent by my senior friends who are in their 80s and 90s. For some, it is hundreds of letters. Their commitment of time spent writing letters shows love to the family and friends. They do not use text messages or emails. Having face to face conversations from this generation is so good for us.
- The work ethic for The Greatest Generation is “keeping your nose to the grindstone!” The Greatest Generation took great and deep pride in the work they did. They were very loyal to the job or company they were working for. Many in the Greatest Generation retired from the company that first hired them. As this generation exemplifies, hard work does pay off.
- They are good stewards and frugal with money and materials. As we see today, this generation were and are prudent in saving money. I remember my own grandparents saved each penny and leftover food. We even saved Christmas bows from year to year. This generation leads the way in recycling. Over the years of teaching and working with children, I deeply appreciate the grandparents who would send me craft materials that they had saved over the years. How opposite this is with our disposable society today, which leads to financial stress.
- They cooked and preparing real food for their families and friends. I am a Baby Boomer of 71 years old. I do vividly remember that we did not have fast food restaurants in the Opelika-Auburn area until I was at least 12 years old. All meals were prepared at home. Too, we sat down at home to eat dinner as a family, to connect and share our day.
- The Greatest Generation’s children played outside instead of staying inside to watch televison and play video games. This was so good for young bodies and minds. Playing outside enhances exploration of nature and socialization skills.
- The Greatest Generation were in committed relationships. I love to talk to my senior friends who have been married 68 to 70 plus years. This generation stays together in marriage and family. They are also loyal to lifetime friends. When those from the Greatest Generation make a promise, their word is their bond.
- They are civic and community minded. Those from the Greatest Generation have always been involved, participating in community cleanups, supporting local schools, fire departments, churches, etc. From fund raising to joining civic leadership organizations to help their community, the Greater Generation has given us the legacy of community pride. A personal encouragement I would like to mention is my grandmother, Lillie Mae Jones. She served at her children’s and grandchildren’s schools by baking for fundraisers, working during the school’s cleanup and repair days, volunteering, cooking for fundraisers for the Salem Fire Department and other community organizations and volunteering in many community events in Opelika.
- They are a singing and dancing generation. The Greatest Generation had some wonderful songs sung during war times. When I am with my senior friends singing songs during their activity times, they remember every word. They lived in an era where dating and courting was done through dancing. I love to see this generation dancing at social activities. They know how to have fun, and their enthusiasm for living is contagious.
- They are patriotic. Because this generation has been through the Great Depression as well as World War II, they are very patriotic to their country and they are true models for us to always vote in elections.
I end this article by thanking you readers who know that you are a part of the Greatest Generation. You have worked so hard to give us a better world, and we we need to embody your legacy.
Beth Pinyerd holds a master’s degree in early childhood education.
