George H. W. Bush, the 41st President of the United States, passed away this morning at the age of 94. He was the last living President born during what Tom Brokaw called “The Greatest Generation” (those born between 1910 and 1924). My father and this president were members of the same generation and both served our country in WWII. I was raised by this generation and long for its values to return.
This generation was hard-working, humble and self-sacrificing. They had concern for others, found honor in service and put country before self. They worked and lived for the greater good.
In contrast, the generations that followed have become self-centered, self-promoting, self-serving, greedy and selfish putting materialism before the greater good. Our society can not survive this focus on “self.” Society will cease to exist without concern for the greater good.
The greatest generation experienced two world wars and the great depression. Working together to overcome those trying times, made America great. But now we are divided into the haves and the have-nots. What will it take for us to work together again? Can we return to the kinder and gentler nation that Bush 41 yearned for?
reilly m gray 