The Greatest Generation

As we approach the Memorial Day holiday, I have two performances in the coming week of my musical program, “Sentimental Journey.”  Through song and radio clips, the show revisits the World War II era when men and women, pushed to the brink of economic ruin during the Great Depression, were slammed headlong into a fight for physical survival.  Their willingness to sacrifice and work together to get the job done– no excuses– is a stark contrast to the hedonistic greed that led to our current economic stew.  I like to tell people at senior centers, far out of the pop mainstream, that they’re becoming suddenly hip.   As a rebellious Baby Boomer who largely discounted them in my youth, I’ve belatedly come to realize that my elders are the reason that my progeny and I can regard a land of plenty as the norm.

Following is a tribute I recently penned for them, which I’m introducing into my show.  Imagine if you will, a Glenn Miller-type mild swing accompanying the lyrics, and stretch your cognition even further to picture me trying to nurse it like one of those buttery40s crooners.  As they say, it’s the thought that counts.

I’m looking forward to traveling to Iowa this weekend to visit my favorite war-era bobby soxers, my parents.  My mom was a jitterbug champion and my dad still plays Gene Krupa drum solos on his stomach; it doesn’t get any better than that.  Have a safe and happy Memorial Day, and if you see anyone from the Greatest Generation, give them a big hug and heartfelt thanks– from you and me.

 

The Greatest Generation

By John Duggleby ©4/2009

 

You’re the Greatest Generation, you stepped up and saved our nation

From depression, from aggression and war

Jeepers Creepers, how’d you do it?  Can’t believe you pulled us through it

Downing Zeros, launching heroes galore.

 

On the front or back at home, hovered over the radio

Up with the sun, you got it done, Rosie the Riveter and GI Joe

You’re the Greatest Generation, can’t hide my admiration,

With adulation, here’s an ovation for you

 

You’re the Greatest Generation, you learned to sacrifice and ration

Through each setback, you could get back in gear

No excuses, no complaining, when the dark clouds kept on raining

You were a model, not to wobble in fear

 

Honest work for honest pay, separating right from wrong,

Clung to joy and boy-oh-boy, did you ever leave us with some songs

You’re the Greatest Generation, please accept my demonstration

Of jubilation, a celebration of you

No calculation can total what we owe you