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Memorial Day

Memorial Day
article written by Stacci for Memorial Day, 1999
But for most, Memorial Day is a symbol to those values of patriotism, of loyalty, that defined America a mere half decade ago. As I read J.F. Kennedy's "Inaugural Address", I was particularly moved by his vision of the role played by his generation, "a generation of Americans, born in this century, tempered by war, disciplined by a hard and bitter peace, proud of our ancient heritage, and unwilling to witness or permit the slow undoing of those human rights to which this nation has always been committed. But now, a new generation of Americans is beginning to move into positions of power and leadership in this country. Just as Kennedy once saw the role of his generation, so too do I see the role of mine. My generation has no lofty nickname; we are not marked by any distinguishable traits. Somehow, we fell between the Baby Boomers and Generation X, and we are now beginning to feel the pressures of handing on a National Legacy fully upon us.We are a generation born into the Vietnam Conflict, tempered by anitwar, antigovernment attitudes, disciplined by Schoolhouse Rock and America's Bicentenial, proud of our ancient heritage and unwilling to witness or permit the undoing of those American values that defined a generation before us. We watched the oil embargo, the Iran hostage situation and a former actor become president. During our young adult lives, interest rates and a slow economy, made owning a home difficult. Those lives are characterized by Live Aid, Farm Aid, the introduction of MTV and a committment to our heritage. We are the generation that fought Desert Storm and came home proud, but cautious, about our role there.
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  1. stacci159:51 AM

    As I listened to the Kennedy Inaugural address on the 50th Anniversary of its deliverance, I feel again the need to stay proud in my beliefs.

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