FROM THE TOP
LELAND ACKER chreporter@mediactr.com
Where are you now, John Wayne? Where have you gone? The country needs you, your patriotism, your support for our veterans, your character, integrity and class. John, you are an icon for what has come to be known as "The Greatest Generation."

Ahh, the Greatest Generation. The generation that asked not what its country could do for it, but what it could do for its country.

Boys lied about their age to join the military so they could fight for this country's freedom. Our heroes, the major league baseball players, put down their bats and gloves and joined the war effort. Mothers, in addition to the many demands of motherhood and marriage, took to the factories to continue to make the machinery, guns, ammo and vehicles which would drive their husbands and sons to victory on the battlefield.

This generation was not assured a generous pension, a college education, and while President Franklin D. Roosevelt promised a chicken in every pot, this generation was not out for personal gain. Their lifestyle was at stake.

And that attitude, mentality and belief is captured in the man, John Wayne. In every World War II movie, John Wayne played himself. Sure, in the movie, his name was a famous general or commander, but he was still John Wayne.

Oh for the times when John Waynes walked the streets. You know, they still do.

Pat Tillman left a lucrative professional football career to join the U.S. Army Rangers. Though his death was highly politicized by both sides of the political spectrum, the fact he left the glory of professional football to serve his country is no less honorable, patriotic and even heroic.

I think of my brother-inlaw, Jeremiah, who enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. knowing that it would take him through Iraq. My father-in-law, a Persian Gulf War veteran, who despite his health still wanted to re-enlist and fight in Iraq. The military told him they'd re-enlist him, but would not deploy him. He went back to retirement.

I think of 1st Lieutenant Brandon McElroy, who strongly believes in America's mission in Iraq as he performs multiple tours of duty there. There are many more just like him. They are not named here, because I have not yet met them.

The World War II generation is awesome, and we truly appreciate our veterans. Someday, maybe we'll appreciate the sacrifices being made for us now. Happy Veterans Day.