| Now is the time to listen to a WW II veteran’s story |
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| Opinion | |||
| Written by Editorial Board | |||
| Wednesday, 03 March 2010 09:00 | |||
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Tom Brokaw called it “The Greatest Generation.” It includes the group of Americans who, despite still reeling from the effects of the Great Depression, bravely fought for their country overseas during World War II and then helped rebuild the fragile U.S. economy upon their return home. Members of this generation would go on to give birth to the baby boomers in the 1950s and remain influential parts of society for the next 60 years. Herb Fickel of Paola is a member of this generation, and he is joined by his fellow World War II veterans scattered throughout Miami County and across the country. But the members of this generation, as tends to happen, are more and more frequently becoming victims of time. America has another war to focus on and another depression to worry about. As World War II veterans age and slow their pace in life, it’s easy for the rest of society to focus on more pressing issues. But forgetting the sacrifices this generation made and the accomplishments it achieved is something this country can’t afford to do — especially as we begin to face new challenges of our own. Fickel and his fellow veterans just recently paid their respects to their fallen comrades during a special ceremony marking the 65th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima during World War II. It was one of the most pivotal battles of the war, and it already is well documented in history books. But why settle for words in a book or even John Wayne on the big screen, when you can relive history straight from the people who were there. Those who take the time to stop and talk with a World War II veteran will likely hear an enthralling tale about patriotism, honor, pain, sacrifice and love — things that can’t always be duplicated in a book or a movie. These veterans won’t be around forever, and local residents can do their part to carry on their legacy by stopping by the Paola Senior Center or Vintage Park and learning a little bit about history straight from the generation of Americans who lived it.
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