My parents generation, which grew up during the "depression" arriving at young adulthood just in time for WW II, had the forced maturity that only comes through hardship and deprivation. They graduated from their teenage years just in time for the crucible of war. Those who survived the war, came out with a dedication, intensity, seriousness and sense of purpose. They generally, had not the degree of formal education that they were so hell bent of assuring their children received. Causes one to wonder regarding scholastic education versus the merit of the "school of hard knocks" which their children and particularly grandchildren, avoided due mostly to the efforts of the original generation.

We all need to pay homage to the generation of our parents or grandparents, as the case may be. This may be off topic. But we all need to stand back and understand where our forebears came from, the dedication and seriousness they brought to their task and the advantages they spent their life in pursuit of that we might enjoy those advantages.

In my own case, my Father was an Army Captain in WW II in Europe. Following VE Day he was on a troopship headed for the South Pacific in preparation for the invasion of Japan. Just prior to entering the Panama Canal, the nuclear weapons were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki ending the war. They turned North, landing in New York.

It is time we remember where we came from and learn so that we may refocus and rededicate ourselves before it is too late. It is with fondness that I remember my parents and the advantages which they fought so hard for so that they might grant them to myself and my brothers. Have we not a similar responsibility to our children and grandchildren?

My apologies for the off topic post. However, I thought at this time and due to current developments, a bit of reflection and rededication is appropriate, if not critical. As my Dad would have said; "Time to get tough Brian!"

Brian