Grew up in western Washington in US in the sixties to older parents who had vivid memories not only of the war but the Great Depression preceding it. Yes that generation was much tougher, more pragmatic, straightforward, and decisive. They didn’t just say things, they did things. Religion was a much bigger presence then than today, I think also. My dad passed around ‘05 and mom in ‘08. I recall asking them once what they thought was the best decade and they said the ‘50’s and things started to decline after that.

So, I certainly agree with your theory. I’m glad they aren’t here today; they would never begin to understand half of things going on currently. I do feel blessed in one regard and that is both of my parents discussed their upbringing in ways that made you feel you could see it through their eyes. And now all those voices from the past are silenced through time. I have always strived to carry a bit of their sensibilities with me and it has helped me stay sane today. In fact, this was in my mind yesterday what with the D-Day celebration.

Thank you for such a great post!