It was not just a great generation, it was the greatest. Many like my Uncle Bennie were kids who had barely sampled life or traveled far from his rural Georgia home. He found himself in Europe fighting for his country, fighting for his life. Even after being wounded, healing and going back to fight, he never asked for favors when he got home. He was a good soldier, a good husband, a good father, and a great American patriot. He was a HERO to all the nephews and nieces who adored him. Yes, the greatest generation. Remember them fondly.
My Dad, Henry Erwin, received the Medal of Honor in April 1945 for tossing a burning phosphorus flare out of the City of Los Angeles, B-29. He and a host of angels saved 12 men that day. He spent two years in hospitals being reconstructed and returned home to work for 35+ years in the Birmingham VA as a benefits counselor helping other vets get the benefits they'd earned. His bride of only five months was one of those women who received loving beautiful letters from her red headed love. His nickname was Red.
Karen, I know the story of your dad. My dad was a gunner on a B-29 in the 462nd BG, “the Hellbirds”. So I’ve read lots about the airmen who flew in and maintained that big silver bird.
I also know your dad was the only recipient of the Medal of Honor in the 20th AF.
My wife’s dad landed with the third wave of the Big Red One at Normandy. He survived two gunshot wounds and helped finish the war. He lived to ninety six but didn’t talk about his war experience unless you asked. My mom’s brother was killed by friendly artillery. They both were defending our freedoms. Our freedom to speak freely. We have a responsibility to them to keep that freedom alive but we also have a responsibility to our kids and peers to seek and speak the truth. Thanks Sean for honoring our WWII heroes.
If you see a veteran today, shake his or her hand. Watch veterans chronicals. Read about their experiences.
Because folks the members of the greatest generation are leaving us and there aren't many left. Appreciate what you have been given and the people who paid that bill.
Thanks again Sean for another reminder. Sometimes we get caught up in the celebration, the hotdogs, hamburgers, and everything else. We need to remember why we are celebrating.
May we NEVER FORGET that greatest generation!! Thank you Sean for such a clear reminder of their sacrifices. The ones who served in that era, saved America and also saved freedom for millions of others. Please remember the millions who sacrificed here at home so those on the front could have the necessary resources to WIN!!
In that time, we definitely were The UNITED States. Oh may we soon realize that which United us was the war effort but more importantly, it was our Biblical worldview. I pray we soon return to honoring God by our actions!!
You know I hear that generation called that numerous times but I feel remiss if I were not to say that's the ones who raise them, the silent generation, we're a pretty good lot as well.
On not just this day but every day, we give Thanks for all who served and are serving. Go to a national cemetery and look out across this Garden of Stones, say a prayer for all and give Thanks.
Would that everyone read this letter penned by Dietrich. Might I add….listen also to Paul Harvey’s “Our Lives, Our Fortune, Our Sacred Honor” …….may our prayers and thoughts this day honor our country and those who fought to give us the privilege of living in this great nation.
Thank you for the Paul Harvey reminder. He was a singular talent and a blessing to all.
Thank you to our founders who pledged their lives and their fortunes and fought for our independence. And thank you to all those who came afterward to keep us free. As we never can repay the debt owed, may we live worthy lives and cherish their memories always.
My grandfathers both served. English grandpa in Europe as a demolitions expert. And my German grandpa served in the South Pacific and was wounded but never took his pension or showed me his Purple Heart. Neither ever mentioned his wartime experiences.
They returned home to rural Western Pennsylvania one to his farm and one opened a bar/restaurant. They loved their wives, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. They made magical the lives of everyone in his family.
May they rest in peace in the company of all those who purchased and maintained our freedom.
My father did not share his war experiences with his children. I have learned far more from reading the letters he wrote to our Mother during the lonely nights on his ship in the South Pacific. I treasure them and the insight they provide about my parents as well as those times.
". . . the unalienable American spirit, the Blessings of Liberty. . .even hellfire cannot kill the great idea that is America." What a legacy! What a promise for the future! Happy 4th! Our Truth will keep marching on!
Thank you, Sean, for this tribute to The Greatest Generation! My husband is that 96 year old WWII, Korean, and Vietnam war veteran! My parents were Army medics in WWII. I would have loved to be in that generation. I hope every “young person” reads your Home of the Brave story. I will be posting this to my page today! GOD BLESS AMERICA! LAND OF THE FREE, HOME OF THE BRAVE!🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
It was not just a great generation, it was the greatest. Many like my Uncle Bennie were kids who had barely sampled life or traveled far from his rural Georgia home. He found himself in Europe fighting for his country, fighting for his life. Even after being wounded, healing and going back to fight, he never asked for favors when he got home. He was a good soldier, a good husband, a good father, and a great American patriot. He was a HERO to all the nephews and nieces who adored him. Yes, the greatest generation. Remember them fondly.
My Dad, Henry Erwin, received the Medal of Honor in April 1945 for tossing a burning phosphorus flare out of the City of Los Angeles, B-29. He and a host of angels saved 12 men that day. He spent two years in hospitals being reconstructed and returned home to work for 35+ years in the Birmingham VA as a benefits counselor helping other vets get the benefits they'd earned. His bride of only five months was one of those women who received loving beautiful letters from her red headed love. His nickname was Red.
Karen, I know the story of your dad. My dad was a gunner on a B-29 in the 462nd BG, “the Hellbirds”. So I’ve read lots about the airmen who flew in and maintained that big silver bird.
I also know your dad was the only recipient of the Medal of Honor in the 20th AF.
What an amazing story and an amazing man he was.
That heroic act was depicted in a movie I saw years ago. I wish I could remember the title.
My wife’s dad landed with the third wave of the Big Red One at Normandy. He survived two gunshot wounds and helped finish the war. He lived to ninety six but didn’t talk about his war experience unless you asked. My mom’s brother was killed by friendly artillery. They both were defending our freedoms. Our freedom to speak freely. We have a responsibility to them to keep that freedom alive but we also have a responsibility to our kids and peers to seek and speak the truth. Thanks Sean for honoring our WWII heroes.
Thanks for your family Ed! Right Stuff! PEB
If you see a veteran today, shake his or her hand. Watch veterans chronicals. Read about their experiences.
Because folks the members of the greatest generation are leaving us and there aren't many left. Appreciate what you have been given and the people who paid that bill.
Peace
Well said Ricky P! Pubert
Thank you for such a lovely tribute. You have an amazing soul, Sean Dietrich. God bless America. And God bless you and yours.
Thanks again Sean for another reminder. Sometimes we get caught up in the celebration, the hotdogs, hamburgers, and everything else. We need to remember why we are celebrating.
May we NEVER FORGET that greatest generation!! Thank you Sean for such a clear reminder of their sacrifices. The ones who served in that era, saved America and also saved freedom for millions of others. Please remember the millions who sacrificed here at home so those on the front could have the necessary resources to WIN!!
In that time, we definitely were The UNITED States. Oh may we soon realize that which United us was the war effort but more importantly, it was our Biblical worldview. I pray we soon return to honoring God by our actions!!
You know I hear that generation called that numerous times but I feel remiss if I were not to say that's the ones who raise them, the silent generation, we're a pretty good lot as well.
I pray for our dear USA daily, hoping we remain free & independent. 🙏God help us & God bless America🇺🇸💫🍾
On not just this day but every day, we give Thanks for all who served and are serving. Go to a national cemetery and look out across this Garden of Stones, say a prayer for all and give Thanks.
Thank you Sean.
Would that everyone read this letter penned by Dietrich. Might I add….listen also to Paul Harvey’s “Our Lives, Our Fortune, Our Sacred Honor” …….may our prayers and thoughts this day honor our country and those who fought to give us the privilege of living in this great nation.
Thank you for the Paul Harvey reminder. He was a singular talent and a blessing to all.
Thank you to our founders who pledged their lives and their fortunes and fought for our independence. And thank you to all those who came afterward to keep us free. As we never can repay the debt owed, may we live worthy lives and cherish their memories always.
My grandfathers both served. English grandpa in Europe as a demolitions expert. And my German grandpa served in the South Pacific and was wounded but never took his pension or showed me his Purple Heart. Neither ever mentioned his wartime experiences.
They returned home to rural Western Pennsylvania one to his farm and one opened a bar/restaurant. They loved their wives, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. They made magical the lives of everyone in his family.
May they rest in peace in the company of all those who purchased and maintained our freedom.
Thank you, Sean!
God bless America 🇺🇸
My father did not share his war experiences with his children. I have learned far more from reading the letters he wrote to our Mother during the lonely nights on his ship in the South Pacific. I treasure them and the insight they provide about my parents as well as those times.
". . . the unalienable American spirit, the Blessings of Liberty. . .even hellfire cannot kill the great idea that is America." What a legacy! What a promise for the future! Happy 4th! Our Truth will keep marching on!
Thank you Sean ~ thank you to ALL who have served this Great Nation ~ 💝
God Bless our Veterans * God Bless AMERICA
🇺🇸❤️🇺🇸❤️🇺🇸❤️🇺🇸❤️🇺🇸❤️🇺🇸❤️🇺🇸❤️🇺🇸
We been to Normandy, Arlington and all the various DC memorials., Gettysburg and so many others. Great reminders of the ultimate sacrifice 🇺🇸
Thank you, Sean, for this tribute to The Greatest Generation! My husband is that 96 year old WWII, Korean, and Vietnam war veteran! My parents were Army medics in WWII. I would have loved to be in that generation. I hope every “young person” reads your Home of the Brave story. I will be posting this to my page today! GOD BLESS AMERICA! LAND OF THE FREE, HOME OF THE BRAVE!🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸