As we celebrate Veterans Day this weekend, I’m reminded of a book written by Tom Brokaw called “The Greatest Generation.”  He wanted to pay tribute to the men and women who had given us the lives we have today. He tells of all the men and women who answered the call to save the world from the two most powerful and ruthless military machines ever assembled to give us the America we now enjoy.  
The book also speaks of ordinary people who supported our men and women in uniform. It was an America that was united and everyone was on the same team — the American team.  
I was blessed to have lived during that time in history. As I get older, I appreciate the times when, at age 7, I listened to the radio with my dad and heard the news about our fighting men and women. My dad had four brothers serving their country in uniform. Two were sent to Europe and two served in the Pacific. One of his brothers, Aristide, was killed in France.  
Mr. Brokaw not only shares about the fighting men and women, but he also tells of the many heroes on the home front. America was truly one nation, under God, fighting for liberty and justice for all.
Thursday, on the way back from a Veterans Day celebration held in St. Charles Parish, I had the privilege of saying “thanks” to some of the veterans who served our country in the different wars.
Those veterans from World War II were honored but remained humble about their actions. They did what they had to do.
The difference between what Brokaw called “The Greatest Generation” and today’s generation is vast. America is now a divided nation. Most people selfishly think only of themselves and are more concerned about this weekend’s football games than the people in Iraq and Afghanistan who are risking their lives, protecting our freedoms.
On Monday, we celebrate Veterans Day. Let’s be reminded that everything we enjoy in this free country can be attributed to the men and women who served in our Armed Forces. America — one nation, under God, protected by the unselfish service and sacrifice of our veterans. In reality, freedom is not free. Many have paid the ultimate price, and others continue to serve our country.  
America, maybe it’s time to wake up and get our priorities in order.  
May God continue to bless us as we thank the veterans.
 
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