The ‘older’ generation

Published 6:21 pm Wednesday, February 20, 2013

We are not Republicans or Democrats. We are not female or male. We are not black or white. We are Americans.

We were babies born in the Great Depression. We are the children who were educated in American public schools and universities. We are the ones who fought the Nazi machine and the Japanese invaders. We are the ones who fought the Chinese army in the Korean War. We are the ones who fought the North Vietnamese in the Vietnam War. We are the ones who travelled in many nations of the world. We are the ones who viewed an attack on one of our greatest cities on 9/11.

We have felt the effects of a major recession. We have objected to class divisions. We have wanted a better welcome to all our new citizens. We have objected to the treatment of many women worldwide.

We want to conserve what is best about America. We want to change those policies that hurt our nation. We drive a little slower but move to the right so that the young can speed by. We have made mistakes. We have had success. We are not imbued with the idea that marijuana or alcohol enhances our lives.

But most of all, we feel privileged to be a part of this American nation. This immense piece of real estate that stretches from sea to sea. We are Americans.

– Harold B. Valentine