VetSpective: Our Generation, Our Time

2017-05-03T13:36:59-04:00

Why are we unable to constructively move forward as a country?

Some would say that it is because we are not exclusively looking towards the future. That we are unwilling to make changes necessary to progress. While there is merit to this argument, I think it assumes there is little that is of value from our past.

If we exclusively look to the future, the disharmony and fractured nature of our society will only increase – unintentionally risking our collective future.

I believe we do not look to the past enough to find the positive guideposts and reference points for how we should meet the challenges of our time and move forward.

However, perhaps paradoxically, there is no shortage of comparisons made to the past – connections between our time and other points in American history. It occurs through the words we choose and the parallels that we try to make to contextualize major events.

We refer to the recent recession as the ‘Great Recession.’ We publicly demonstrate our affection for those who have served and sacrificed in the recent wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. These actions – whether we mean to or not – are ways in which we connect our time to historic events such as the Great Depression and World War II.

But when I reflect on whether we – in this moment, in our time – have truly stepped up to meet today’s challenges, that’s where the parallels between the past and today begin to fall short for me.

I think parallels between our time and historic events – from large changes in our economy to war – clearly are instructive. They can reveal the failures of the past and provide lessons learned for the future.

However, are we also learning, valuing, and applying the lessons of what was positive and successful from the past?

When I saw the recent news that Raymond Haerry was interred on the USS Arizona (http://rly.pt/2p97hif) – a ship that he served on during the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7th, 1941 – I began to think about this very question and what Mr. Haerry’s personal decision, 75 years removed from the catalyzing event, might mean for this moment and our time in American history.

As reported on ABC, on December 7th, 1941, Mr. Haerry was 19 years old. During the attack, a large bomb exploded, igniting the fuel on the USS Arizona. Mr. Haerry had to swim through flames in the harbor to get to land, then engaged attacking Japanese aircraft, and subsequently began the difficult task of retrieving bodies of his countrymen from the harbor.

I wonder what Mr. Haerry would think about how to live and lead in our time and in this moment. Perhaps his family knows. But my guess is that, consistent with the culture of the WWII generation, one has to look no farther than his example.

Mr. Haerry’s decision to be interred with his USS Arizona shipmates reveals his values. For me, his decision says: do what you have to do, hang together, and then be at peace.

Mr. Haerry was an ordinary person put in an extraordinary moment. And similar to Mr. Haerry, we, ordinary citizens, find ourselves in yet another extraordinary moment in our history.

When I compare how we, as a nation, have reacted and handled ourselves during this tumultuous time to the example of Mr. Haerry, I’m not sure we can say that we are doing what we have to do. That we are meeting our challenges. That we are hanging together as a nation. That we are looking out for our fellow citizens in addition to ourselves.

Nor can I say that we are at peace. Far from it.

So, what can we do to honor Mr. Haerry and follow the example that he demonstrated both on December 7th, 1941 and, again, just this week?

First, I think we must re-build a national culture that puts at its core the fact that we have more in common than that which separates us. My educated guess, from my time serving in the military, is that Mr. Haerry did not agree with everyone he served with – and probably did not like all of them either. Yet, they were all in it together. And, at the end, that is who he wanted to be with.

Second, it’s not only about expressing how we feel or our grievances. It’s also about meeting our problems head on – in a way that is both constructive and enhances the whole. We must use Mr. Haerry’s example, not to mention the example of the many others of the WWII generation, to understand and embrace the importance of doing – not just being.

Third, we must re-discover the value of harmony – and what our founding fathers termed ‘tranquility’ – in our society. While this cannot be achieved at all times, we must put our shared humanity above all other interests. We also must re-commit to problem solving and value achieving improvements, even if they are marginal, in our collective well being – both within our political dialogue and public policymaking.

In the final analysis, I do not believe our Republic can long endure if we do not start following Mr. Haerry’s example and his life walk of service to family, community, and country.

We, as a nation, must re-build a national purpose, do what we have to do as a country and society, hang together, and then, as we say at West Point: ‘be thou at peace.’

Be thou at peace, Raymond.

***
Alex Gallo is senior associate at the Center for Strategic and International Studies and served as a professional staff member on the House Armed Services Committee for five years. He is a West Point graduate and combat veteran and a graduate of the Harvard Kennedy School. His work has been published by The Washington Post, National Review, The Huffington Post, The Hill, and Foreign Affairs.

Watch: Pearl Harbor Survivor Has Ashes Placed Aboard Sunken USS Arizona

The WWII veteran died last year at age 94. Only five USS Arizona survivors remain.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made May 3 at 2017 4:37 PM

2017-05-03T16:37:10-04:00

CPT Alex Gallo Outstanding Article Thanks!

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 3 at 2017 5:26 PM

2017-05-03T17:26:48-04:00

Thanks for sharing!

Response by SMSgt Thor Merich made May 3 at 2017 10:39 PM

2017-05-03T22:39:21-04:00

Well said. I fear that it will take another national disaster or terrorist attack for Americans to realize what's important.

Response by CPO Allen D. (Al) B. made May 3 at 2017 10:50 PM

2017-05-03T22:50:49-04:00

Interesting read. CPT Alex Gallo Thanks for the thought provoking post!

Response by MSgt Neil Greenfield made May 3 at 2017 11:00 PM

2017-05-03T23:00:13-04:00

Outstanding editorial. Well done!

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made May 4 at 2017 12:17 AM

2017-05-04T00:17:20-04:00

United goal: like saying the pledge of Allegiance every day in school? Like compelling respect for the flag of our nation? Like having common prayers for the same God?

Response by LtCol Robert Quinter made May 4 at 2017 2:13 PM

2017-05-04T14:13:01-04:00

Great reflection Cpt Gallo. Suspecting I've got a few more years on this earth than you, I was born in the 40s and got to grow up in the 50s and 60s when the influence of men like Mr Haerry was common and prevalent. I've held a theory for a long time that the feeling of progress and moving forward together disappeared primarily due to my generation's war. We had a glimmer of Mr Haerry again after 9/11, but soon fell back into our post vietnam malaise that persists today.
What we lost sight of, I believe, is the promise of our nation as established by the founders and the value of what used to be called the common good. Did our government officials betray that promise during Vietnam? Some did. Were there those who felt that betrayal take to the streets in protest? Some honestly felt betrayed. Were most of the protesters really interested in working for the betterment of our nation and protesting as a result of those betrayals? I think not.
Vietnam made anarchy fashionable. A schism on how to react to those things that were wrong developed and spread to anything individuals felt represented a personal betrayal. Instead of debate and constructive work toward a better society, violence and "symbolic" destruction became the instrument of change for many and it continues today. Adding to the problem is the resentment resident on all sides between those who believe in drama, and those who believe in traditional problem solving. For too many, evolutionary, o even steady deliberate move toward change is not satisfactory and anarchy will bring the immediate change they desire.
Add to that schism, you have the ever present desire for a watergate or pentagon papers revelation that will rocket a newsman or organization to the pinnacle of fame and you've got today.
Until those in our government earn the trust and confidence of the electors, until those who are wronged recognize that physical or psychological violence does not result in attaining their objective, and until those who report our news and form public opinion realize they are not established to direct society, but to inform it, our potential to move forward and progress as we did prior to Vietnam is severely limited.

Response by David Clark made May 7 at 2017 8:26 AM

2017-05-07T08:26:16-04:00

History truly shows it takes a country to win a war. Right down to the youngest person. The kids do more things around the house which allows the women to fill in the jobs the men that went off to fight the wars normally do. And I always thanks all females in the mitary so I mean no disrespect with my comment I know men and women both no matter what rank or branch of the military are ready to die for America. So from star's or stripes the willingness to die makes you all the same to me. Thank you for your service God Bless you all and your family.

Response by Erman Alkan made May 8 at 2017 2:15 PM

2017-05-08T14:15:56-04:00

awesome !

Response by Wanda Afualo-Carey made May 10 at 2017 9:05 AM

2017-05-10T09:05:53-04:00

CPT Alex Gallo Good day to you Sir. Enjoyed your editorial & concur with your points about needing to come together as one nation.

It is high time (overdue really) for all citizens to reunite & reestablish our common goals & identity. There's been too much divisiveness, disrespect & in most cases outright unwarranted hostility toward one another. It's as if someone has lit up an entire shipment of those 1000 strip Red Devil firecrackers & tossed it in amongst our lot! Somehow we must quell this firestorm of negativity & the overt effects from our discord.

This will take an almost impossible effort of having a United leadership! (God only can help us there!) Only in becoming a unified nation, may we be able to live and honor the sacrifices of those heroes & heroines who have gone before us. Abraham Lincoln cited a biblical quote in his address to the nation "A house divided against itself cannot stand" (Matthew 12:25 - "But Jesus knew their thoughts, and said to them: “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand.") He may have his naysayers out there, however I respect our Secretary of Housing & Urban Development, Ben Carson who also cited the same quote [see image.]

May we endeavor to come together & as you succinctly put it "rebuild [our] national purpose..." so that we may "be [a nation] at peace."

Response by LCpl Donald Faucett made May 11 at 2017 4:28 AM

2017-05-11T04:28:20-04:00

We got scattered in the turbulence of a crippled Government. I believe we will reassemble as a mighty team stronger than ever soon.

Response by LCpl Donald Faucett made May 21 at 2017 9:49 PM

2017-05-21T21:49:40-04:00

Too many lines dividing values trust. All I know is we best get squared away right now. We are self destructing are being manipulated by media.

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 14 at 2017 9:25 AM

2017-06-14T09:25:23-04:00

I agree with the three points and think they would generate a better outcome for us in the future. My question would be the method in which to do this? A wide array of factors that could play into building this national spirit, this rally around the flag. I do not think any policy can create a shared sentiment between people, rather there needs to be a sort of catalyst. The easiest way to bond is through shared experience or hardship, as Mr. Haerry felt, I'm sure. Perhaps a common goal to work towards would also work and I agree, it does not seem there is a clear goal at the moment.

Response by MAJ Bob Firth made Jun 14 at 2017 7:24 PM

2017-06-14T19:24:41-04:00

Make no mistake that this nation is in crisis. Alex's statement that we need to rebuild a national culture which stresses commonality as opposed to differences, is counter to the movement which seeks to divide us in order to advance certain agendas. This is much easier said than done, when there are forces which are proposing that harmony can only be possible when all people subscribe to one philosophy, one truth, one opinion. Today, dissent with certain narratives is painted as "racist", "xenophobic", "intolerant"... I could go on. Throwing the verbal equivalent of incendiary devices has resulted in the assassination of police officers, violence against those who disagree with them, and today, an armed attack on elected officials. By tolerating this behavior we are encouraging it. Even in institutes of higher education dissent against "popular" views is being actively suppressed. IMHO things will get worse before better.

Response by Sgt Kelli Mays made Jun 15 at 2017 8:32 PM

2017-06-15T20:32:01-04:00

because there are too many chiefs who cannot get along and play nice.

Response by SGT Donald Howard made Jul 4 at 2017 9:01 AM

2017-07-04T09:01:36-04:00

I could write several chapters on what is afflicting our nation, but I'll mention these 3 that to me, are only a part of many that are at the root, but represent the very real danger of ending our republic.
Right now the 2 youngest generations of Americans have gone through the public K-12 school system and curriculum of multiculturalism and the narrative that America, it's founders and history are one of racism and bigotry and that the wealth and power of the U. S. was all from the theft from and oppression of weaker non anglo nations.
U.S. history that is taught, has spends little time on WWII, Korea is lucky if there is a paragraph and a half, Vietnam era glorifies the hippy movement and radicalism of the era. Civics (U.S. Government) isn't even a requirement to graduate high school.
After the first 12 yrs of primary education, there are the Universities that have been proven to be dominated by radical left anti- American, anti Western civilization professors. I have watched as interviewers have done random Q&A's of college students on topics from our history, 3 legs of the stool that make up the core of our federal government, individual(s) names are holding important positions, etc.It would have been humorous if the ramifications weren't so potentially dangerous to the nations long term continued existence as the America we recognize.
Tying this together, we have 2 generations that have been taught that their country is unjust and has contributed little to the world that is positive, does not know the construct of our government and the functions of the main 3 as they pertain to each other and equal ignorance as to what is actually in the constitution and Bill of rights.
Since last summer we have seen manifested in the violence at Trump rallies and colleges where conservative speakers were to speak, the young participants scorn and out right hatred for this nation and a complete disconnect from what the constitution protects and who, when and why. Not to mention a corrupt overtly biased media that often paints a narrative of America as racist and unfair reinforcing the false narrative in the minds of these young people.
One day these 2 generations will be passed the torch and will be responsible for taking the country forward. How can a generation that has been schooled and taught what they were about their country, very little in regards to the government or the founding documents that describe what government can do and what it's limits are in regards to it's interaction with the citizens.
How can a generation lead a nation they have been taught is basicly bad, knows little of where it comes from, where it has been in order to figure out where it needs to go and how to get it there?
Unfortunately, it may be very well that the only thing that can cause a major shift back toward the course that brought our country to it's finest hours and greatest achievements is a trauma on a national scale that literally effects every man woman and child as WWII did when the very survival of the country was on the line, only question is, would the things listed above damaged those generations to a point rendering them incapable of drawing on the neccesary will and emotion required to to save the country as the greatest generation once did and in the numbers needed?

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Mar 27 at 2018 2:32 PM

2018-03-27T14:32:52-04:00

An interesting reflection totally ignoring the fact that America is fractured and flailing (if not on the verge of failing) because it has largely abandoned that which made it successful: Individual achievement. America's success was the sum of the individual successes of its citizens. Other nations failed to keep pace because all were collective enterprises. Standing alone requires courage, the courage of convictions. The courage to take responsibility for our failures as well as our successes. Every effort to spread the risk among the collective only insures that we can never succeed as individuals. It's simply not allowed. If I could find Aladdin's Magic Lamp, I'd only need one wish. To silence the siren song of the collective, to allow people to come to their senses and see the abyss to which we are headed before it is too late.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Mar 27 at 2018 6:01 PM

2018-03-27T18:01:48-04:00

Excellence article- up till the last generation or two- people were taught to be responsible for themselves and their actions. Few thought or felt that they were entitled to anything they hadn't earned. We voted for the man/woman, not rabidly the party. And our elected officials were more in tune with what the people wanted than what the Party demanded. Know it seems it's the Party's way or the highway, and the other side of the aisle doesn't count for anything. Instead of being raised to say -"I'm an American of Latin descent- it's now all- I'm a Latino!"

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 2 at 2019 2:59 PM

2019-09-02T14:59:40-04:00

I couldn’t agree more.

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Aug 5 at 2021 10:35 PM

2021-08-05T22:35:37-04:00

Thanks for sharing