The Greatest Generation

This time of year, around Veteran’s Day, I perform my “Sentimental Journey’ show of World War II era music a lot at senior venues.  Many in the audience are veterans of military service, but all are journeymen (and women) from one of the toughest roads life has ever thrown in our nation’s path.  These are people who persevered through the Great Depression (not just the downturn we face right now), and slammed straight into the sacrifices necessary to win World War II.  It is because of this generation, which includes my parents and grandparents, that my wife and  I, our children and grandchildren can enjoy the life we have in our great nation.

A few years ago I wrote a song for them called, “The Greatest Generation.”  Here, with a big salute to our elders, are the lyrics:

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, listening to 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 this demonstration

Of jubilation, a celebration of you

No calculation can total what we owe you