While a hero is usually an individual person, there are often instances when a group of people rises up together to demonstrate a collective act of heroism. This idea certainly came to fruition after the Japanese attached American troops at Pearl Harbor. The generation of young people during that time period, raging from younger than 18 to older than 30, have since been labeled by many as "The Greatest Generation."
There are numerous reasons as to why this generation has been labeled the greatest. Of course the first thing that comes to mind is their heroic actions during World War II. After Pearl Harbor many voluntarily signed up to fight against those that attacked the United States of America. Even those who were drafted fought with bravery and distinction. The repelled the Nazi and Japanese armies on two theatres, Europe and the Pacific. Many of these men decided to fight because they knew it was the right thing to do. Upon returning home, they simply went back to their homes and went about their lives. They continued to work hard and did not seek praise from others because of their deeds.
While the soldiers of that era are the first that come to mind, there are still others who endured great sacrifice during that time period. Those who were left behind on American soil have just as much claim to the moniker of "The Greatest Generation" as those who fought in World War II. Remaining on the home front meant dealing with rationing of many household products to support the war effort. It also meant constantly worrying about the safety and wellbeing of your loved ones overseas. Women gained even more independence and responsibility during World War II. Instead of merely being relegated to the jobs of teacher, mother, or nurse, they needed to provide financial support to the family. Their husbands, fathers, and brothers were all fighting overseas so women began to have new openings in the workplace. Jobs that were typically reserved just for men now needed to fill vacancies and turned toward women to fill said vacancies. These female workplace pioneers paved the way for future advances in women's rights and workplace equality by showing that women can do many, if not all, of the same jobs that men can do. Those on the home front may have fought a less dangerous battle but they faced a battle nonetheless.
When soldiers came home they had the opportunity to continue their heroism. Instead of another battle to fight, soldiers waged war in the classroom. The GI Bill gave numerous veterans the opportunity to earn a college degree, an opportunity that may not have been available to them otherwise. Through this a huge middle class emerged in the United States, and individual soldiers bettered not only their own lives, but the lives of their families and most importantly their children. "The Greatest Generation" should be regarded as heroes because of the sacrifices they made, both on the battlefield and at home, and the ways they succeeded as a result of their circumstances, women in the work place and a college educated middle class. If it were not for this generation the United States would be very different from what it is today.
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Well said, Ryan!
I think this blog reflects the idea of the patriotic hero, one of America’s favorites. WWII was an incredibly noble cause for Americans and a battle which we can look back on with a rosy colored pride and glory. It is an event where we recognize those who made sacrifices and all the good it brought. War heroes are always interesting for me however because you never hear the same kind of romantic despondency used with Vietnam War veterans. I feel like Vietnam veterans are more quickly remembered for their post traumatic stress and substance abuse. I think soldiers are a perfect example of societies capacity to build up or break down a hero in reflection of its own conscious.
This Blog was definitely a very unique way of describing and viewing heroes. Of course, during any time of war, there are a multitude of opportunities for heroes to emerge and make their marks; but to also consider the people back in the states living the "Civilian Life" as being heroes, really brings a brand new notion to the table.
Not only was "The Greatest Generation" an open door for heroes of war to come to light, it also enabled the women back at home to shine. By acquiring the jobs and responsibilities typical of the men during this time period, the women were able to show everything of which they were capable – inspiring and giving both women of that particular time and women of the future, hope and optimism. So, in a way, everyone was able to benefit and a multitude of different heroes and heroic opportunities came to fruition for both the men and the women of this specific generation