Greatest Generation Perspective

The term "Greatest Generation" was popularized by journalist Tom Brokaw in his 1998 New York Times bestseller. It refers to Americans born roughly between 1901 and 1927. This generation is recognized for enduring the Great Depression and for their significant contributions to World War II, either by fighting in the war or supporting it in various ways.
What is interesting about this generation, often regarded as the greatest in our country’s history, is that many of those people were children of immigrants or immigrants themselves.  However, their historical journeys to the shining seas of America were done respectfully and legally.  These people came looking not only for a promising future but to be participatory in their new citizenship.  They did not break rules and laws; instead, they waited for their turn in line.  Lawmakers and peaceful protesters should revisit their actions and hold individuals coming to America to the same high standards.
The Greatest Generation would not have become great if they had come to America intending to take advantage of the system, promote lawlessness, and drain its resources. Unfortunately, this is what we are witnessing today. What is even more concerning is the support this behavior receives from some lawmakers and certain disillusioned segments of society.
For that reason, we should study and emulate the early beginnings of the Greatest Generation and their approach to coming to America. Their perspective is worthy of our attention, and their contributions continue to reverberate throughout our history for the reasons mentioned above.
One of those individuals was my Grandfather, Matthew DiGiovanni, who served in WWII and was a faithful husband, father, grandfather, and provider. I am specifically reminded of his example because today marks the 30th anniversary of his passing. He, along with others in his generation, modeled the type of integrity and mindset Scripture talks about when considering the right perspective to have in life.
In his efforts to share a legacy-type perspective with the Church of Ephesus, the Apostle Paul reminded the people of the importance of hard work and the perspective that looks "to give, not just get."
Acts 20:35 says, "In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”
To God be the glory for great generational, transcending perspectives that He gives to us!