Not our modern snowflakes

Donald McClarey, at The American Catholic, has a wonderful post reminding us of one particular Christmas past.

A generation of youngsters handling adversity a little differently than some of our braver, stronger youngsters today.

No doubt we can find things to criticize about how they did it.  Or we can invoke Dresden as good as always.  But 72 years ago, it was a different Christmas.  My Dad’s brother served as a medic in Patton’s army.  Note, most usually declared that they served ‘with Patton.’  He was part of the force that rescued the 101st that didn’t need rescuing.  Shortly before he died, he received a belated commendation for his service in the Ardennes Offensive.  He called my Dad and asked what that was about.  Dad explained that it was the Battle of the Bulge.  My uncle’s response was priceless: ‘I didn’t know what they called it.  I just know it was cold and people kept trying to kill me.’

Of course we have our best and brightest today, serving even now so that we can stay nice and comfy at home.  Therefore, in tribute to those today, and that generation of snowflakes, c. 1944, and all  who missed Christmas for our sake, I say thank God.  May a small portion of the blessings they have earned come back to them pressed down, shaken together and running over.

Greater love has no man than this; that a man lay down his life for his friends.