When I received a gift copy of Tom Brokaw's "The Greatest
Generation" from a relative I thought, "I'll read a chapter or two and see
what it's all about." While reading the introduction I realized that this might
be more than a media-hyped book by some TV talking head. And as I continued on
through the first few chapters, it became clear to me that this was a series of meaningful
stories about ordinary people who did extraordinary things in the course of W.W.II. At
times I chuckled and at times tears filled my eyes while reading about their experiences and sacrifices.
Brokaw did a great job of research, personally interviewing many of the
principals themselves, and put together what is the most important work about people and
war that I have ever read. And in doing so he captured the true qualities of the
generation that saved the entire world from the tyranny and enslavement of the maniacs who
sought to conquer and enslave us all. This book should be read and re-read, so that we will all fully
understand and remember what those incredibly brave men and women accomplished in the name
of freedom. And the terrible price that so very many of them - and their families - paid.
To those of that Greatest Generation who sacrificed so much to
make our continuing liberty
possible, I offer my personal, "Thank you and may God bless you, each and
every one."
(My mother-in-law, Ellen Bartolomei, was a 1st Lieutenant and nurse in the U.S.
Army and served on the hospital ship "Hope" in the South Pacific and my
late
father-in-law, Warren Siegmund, was a U.S. Army Staff Sergeant stationed in the South Pacific during
W.W.II. They, and the rest of those who served in any capacity in that epic
struggle for freedom, have my lasting
gratitude.)
You will find the sequel, The Greatest Generation Speaks, here.
Victory at Sea
A 26-episode World War II documentary, Victory at Sea is one of the most
important series in the history of television. Made in 1952, the show was a huge
success, winning many major awards and even spawning albums featuring the
orchestral score by Richard Rodgers, best known for his musicals with Lorenz
Hart and Oscar Hammerstein II. Produced with the full cooperation of the U.S.
Navy, each 26-minute program consists of black-and-white wartime film set to a
narration by Leonard Graves.
Many of us remember watching this exciting series in the '50's. We are pleased to offer the DVDs, and hope you consider purchasing it to view yourself or show your kids and grandchildren what really happened in those years of dismal defeats and stunning victories.
Here I'd like to share with you the words of English poet
Laurence Binyon:
"They shall not grow old,
as we that are left grow old.
Age shall not weary them,
nor the years condemn,
At the going down of the sun
and in the morning
We will remember them."
