Do You Remember When...

History has shown that we all will likely experience a significant momentous event … a “that moment.” An event of such magnitude that it becomes the defining shared experience of that generation, that moment in time, and unites us as a people, a county and even a world.

As I consider the last 100 years (1920 to 2020) I offer the following as examples of “that moment” here in the United States. The Great Depression (Note: Not discussed further in this paper) (1929 to 1939), World War II (1939 to 1945), the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster (January 28, 1986,), and the September 11 attacks (September 11, 2001). What is it about each of these events that serves to tie us together in such a way? What was it about the event, the reactions of ourselves and those around us that propelled us forward? Who told us what to do, or how to do it? Retrospectively, there have been critical factors that help to shape the way we view what we experience: 1) Our own proximity to the occurrence/event 2) The reaction of those around us as we all experience the same occurrence/event 3) How well they (we all??) adjust to “that moment”. I would submit that we can add a new factor that helps to shape the moment - technology: Our ability to stay continually connected via technology. As history unfolds, navigating through this moment in time towards a healthy life post Coronavirus will require a few conscious acts on your part. My personal challenge to you is to work daily at maintaining a calm demeanor and ensure you communicate clearly with others. All the while keeping in mind that we do not know what other personal challenges others may be facing. Take a little time to be kind. demeanor and ensure you communicate clearly with others.

World War II is the closest example to the circumstances that we currently find ourselves in as I type this blog (January 2, 2020). Ones proximity to the direct action of the war varied, yet all were impacted one way or another by WWII from the front lines to doing what was needed on the Homefront. Talking to someone that went through that post WWII period would no doubt be able to recall the struggles they endured, the challenges that impacted their daily lives and the hardships they overcame. Let me point out that we affectionately refer to the post WWII group as “the Greatest Generation.” As we face our current challenge with the Coronavirus, keep these words in mind: History is made in the present! There has always been a race to conquer space and America has been one of the most ambitious countries to accomplish it. I remember when our nations space program televised the launches and landings of our space cowboys and cowgirls as they lassoed the stars. Anyone wearing a National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) patch was viewed as a superstar. Then, I remember looking at the news shortly after the new year in 1986, the day the Space Shuttle exploded shortly after takeoff. The reaction and disbelief of what we were watching was on everyone’s face. That moment was a brief snapshot in time, yet it made the nation pause. America is a young nation that will forever rise from the ashes to fly above the current circumstances. 9/11 was an intentional gut punch in the 10th round that challenged our spirit as a nation. Our ability to stay continually connected via technology smacked me in the face on this occasion. I was still in the military and living in Okinawa when the planes flew into the Twin Towers. It was a complete shock to our system. However, we shook off the initial fuzziness of confusion that caused us to not be able to identify whom we needed to address our concerns, and when we did, we once again showed the rest of the world that together we will always stand! Now, the new challenge that is before us and looks like it could easily qualify as “that moment” is the COVID-19 Pandemic. Reach back and utilize the lessons we learned from the past: History is made in the present! America is a young nation that will forever rise from the ashes to fly above the current circumstances. Let’s show the rest of the world that together we will always stand! I would like to end with the challenge that I posed in the beginning of this paper. Work daily at maintaining a calm demeanor ensure you communicate clearly with others. All the while keeping in mind that we do not know what other personal challenges others may be facing. Take a little time to be kind. Generations: The Greatest Generation (or GI Generation)Born in 1924 or earlier. lived through the Great Depression and then fought in WW2

The Silent GenerationBorn 1925-1945 – more cautious than their parents – yet shaped the 20th century (music, media, journalism)

Baby Boomers Born 1946-1964 - Baby boomers were named for an uptick in the post-WWII birth rate.

Generation XBorn 1965-1980- typically perceived to be disaffected and directionless due to shifting societal values (latch-key kids, reduced adult supervision)

MillennialsBorn 1981-1996 – coming of age in the ‘Information Age’ – comfortable with digital technology and social media

Generation Z or Gen Z (sometimes called post-millennials)Born 1997-current – readily use digital technology, internet, social media – but not necessarily digitally literate Generation Alpha Born 2010 - current