Remembering the Greatest GenerationWhat is it about the Greatest Generation that’s so different? In this article, we examine how this generation got that name.

They say it’s the hardships of life that form our true character. If that’s true, then Americans who were born between the two World Wars have certainly earned their character badges. For this, we call them the Greatest Generation.

Who is the Greatest Generation?

You’ve probably heard the term before. It was coined almost twenty years ago by Tom Brokaw. Former anchor and managing editor of NBC News, Mr. Brokaw published his best-selling book, The Greatest Generation, in 1998. He forever set the phrase in our hearts and minds by doing so.

The phrase may be familiar, but have you ever stopped to wonder what it means?

Four Factors Contributing to the Formation of the Greatest Generation

  1. Momentous Changes

This generation grew up during a time when the world was experiencing great shifts in power.  Europe was in upheaval, and the United States had yet to flex its military muscle. That changed during World War II, and a new era of American power and wealth ensued.

This generation lived through the Great Depression, World War II, and then on into one of the most prosperous eras in the history of our nation. The newfound prosperity contrasted sharply with previous decades of austerity.

The changes this generation witnessed will forever be marked as some of the most pivotal moments in history.

  1. Work Ethic

Perhaps because of having lived through the Great Depression, this generation knows something about working hard. On top of that, they lived through the years of World War II and appreciate stability.

Combined, these two factors result in one very strong work ethic among members of the Greatest Generation.

  1. Frugality

The combination of living during the Great Depression and experiencing war-time rationing means many in this generation are well-versed in frugal living. They learned to make due. They also learned creativity in the face of scarcity.

Frugality for them isn’t a badge of honor nor is it anything to be ashamed of. It was simply a way of dealing with life in those times.

  1. Sacrifice & Honor

Many gave of themselves during World War II, to the extent that they lost life or limb. The war was truly all-encompassing for this generation at that time. The Battle of the Bulge, for example, is considered by military experts to be the greatest in the nation’s history.

Back home, people made do with less in order to contribute to the war effort. That meant rationing and doing without some of the staples of daily living.

United as a country in the face of evil, the greatest generation came together to sacrifice what they could to make the world a better place.

Legacy Senior Living Serves the Greatest Generation

Because they made the world a better place for us, we’re committed to making the world a better place for them.

Honoring the Greatest Generation is part of our mission here at Legacy Senior Living. In fact, serving this generation is our mission. In carrying out that mission, we hope to uphold the values handed down to us by the Greatest Generation in every possible way.

If you’re looking for a senior living community that cares and serves with honor and respect, please give us a call anytime, or fill out the handy contact form on this page.