The influx of interest in World War II since the release of Steven Spielberg's "Saving Private Ryan" in 1998 has spread like wildfire in American popular culture. Works of historical fiction and nonfiction dealing with World War II have seen a decade-long sales boost. Films like "The Great Raid," "U-571" and "Pearl Harbor" have made millions in box office and home video profits. However, even though the majority of Americans might play their "Medal of Honor" video games and read their extensive Stephen E. Ambrose collections, they have still not embraced the World War II generation.
Without physically talking to veterans about their experiences in the Pacific or European theatres, Americans still do not understand the "greatest generation," which fought the "greatest war," for democracy and freedom.
I forever lost my chance for future personal conversations on Sunday with the passing of my grandfather, Otis Staggs. He was a veteran of five major battles in France, Belgium and Germany. His tank battalion received a Presidential Citation for its valor during the Battle of the Bulge.
World War II veterans are passing away daily. Soon, the "greatest generation" will simply have faded away - as all great generations have before it. Many of them are between 85 and 95 years of age. Even with the advances in medical science that have extended their life spans, they are fading away - and without the interest that they deserve.
Nothing beats the joy of speaking to a veteran about his experiences. After years of trying to forget the blood, guts, tears and destruction of their early years, veterans are opening up to talk about their experiences. However, Americans - especially today's youth and college students - do not seem to be listening.
While the "greatest generation" has sealed its place in the country's history books, its swan song is being ignored. While some people believe all the stories of World War II have been told, the exciting stories of thousands of veterans lie dormant in the recesses of 80- or 90-year-old minds, just waiting to be explored and journeyed.
And it is not only the veterans who are being overshadowed. Homemakers, wives, children and factory workers of those war years - between 1941 and 1945 - made great sacrifices to help the war effort against fascism. Their stories of longing and hard work are soon to be forgotten, as well.
All these people are still able to be found. They sit in their homes, hospitals, nursing facilities, retirement homes, hospice care and in communities around the nation, usually willing to tell the greatest story of American courage and sacrifice since the American Civil War.
The greatest source to understand the "greatest generation" will soon be gone forever, and future generations will regret our hesitancy to listen to this dying breed of loyal and patriotic Americans.
The advice that life will bring us might come too late - for the world, America and family histories. Those who gave us the better world we have today will eventually be gone. All that was done for the good of humankind will then be lost with the wind.
Before the day arrives that the "greatest generation" moves on in its entirety, we as a society need to give people of that generation the respect and admiration they deserve.
No monument, film, video game or book can properly give them that respect. Only attention and embracing the monumental wisdom of these people who did such great actions will seal them in humanity's thoughts for eternity.
Before it is too late, speak with someone of the "greatest generation" about his or her experience during World War II. You will have done your duty by honoring the generation with a little bit of the time they have given you.
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