This Veteran's Day, I've been struck by the number of references I hear to "The Greatest Generation".  The phrase, made popular by Tom Brokaw's book, has been bothering me lately.  The phrase and it's usage, especially lately, has struck me as a desire by many to search for and find something that they feel is lacking in today's generation.  As I hear of the heroism, the sacrifice, and the courage of those serving in this generation, I really have to wonder what they think is missing.  Why is there a need to somehow declare their's as the greatest, and why do they feel the need to look back on those times as better than today?  I wonder how those serving in Iraq, and coming how from war feel about somehow being found lacking.

I don't mean in any way diminish the sacrifice of those who fought in WWII, or in any previous war, but more to point out that it is wrong to attempt to compare them at all.  Every generation has had to fight and die for the ideals that this nation represents.  Every generation has proven itself to be the greatest, by allowing the next generation to live in liberty.