Some thoughts on Memorial Day - 28-May-07 - Generational Dynamics

Generational Dynamics Web Log for 28-May-07

Some thoughts on Memorial Day

Today is a good day to think about our nation's history and what the United States has meant to the world.

It's a good day to forget, at least temporarily, that we have so many Washington politicians and journalists who have committed their careers to America's defeat and humiliation overseas.

It's a good day to remember that, for better or worse, we've taken on an enormous commitment and responsibility by becoming policemen of the world. This happened after World War II with the "Truman Doctrine" of 1947. Under this doctrine, we promised the world that we would do everything in our power to prevent a new world war, by stopping the spread of destructive doctrines, like Fascism, Naziism and Communism. Today, it's radical Islamist extremism. Truman's justification was that, whatever being policemen of the world cost us in lives and money, it would minuscule compared to the cost of World War II. Soon we're going to have to learn that lesson again.

It's a good day to re-read President John F. Kennedy's 1961 inauguration speech:

"In the long history of the world, only a few generations have been granted the role of defending freedom in its hour of maximum danger. I do not shrink from this responsibility -- I welcome it. I do not believe that any of us would exchange places with any other people or any other generation. The energy, the faith, the devotion which we bring to this endeavor will light our country and all who serve it -- and the glow from that fire can truly light the world. And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you -— ask what you can do for your country."

It's a good day to understand that, once again, our country is facing a time of maximum danger, and that, for better or worse, it's America's manifest destiny to lead the world in defending democracy and freedom.

It's a good day to thank all those young men and women who have personally taken on the role of defending freedom in its hour of maximum danger. This is the new generation of Heroes, our young darlings, the new "greatest generation." When the time comes and the nation is facing its greatest danger, these Heroes will go off to war fearlessly and do their duty. Without any thought for themselves, they'll go proudly and valiantly into battle, and they won't even be sad about it. It's their parents in the Generation X and Boomer generations who'll be standing on the shore in tears, waving goodbye as their ships disappear over the horizon, knowing that we'll never see many of them again, but also knowing that there's no choice.

It's a good day to think about the inevitability of history. Whatever is coming is coming, and it can't stopped any more than a tsunami can be stopped. We can't stop it, but we can prepare for it.

It's a good day to treasure the time you have left, and to use the time to prepare yourself, your family, your community and your nation. (28-May-07) Permanent Link
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Generational Dynamics Web Log for 28-May-07 Some thoughts on Memorial Day

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Generational Dynamics Web Log for 28-May-07
Some thoughts on Memorial Day