Tom Brokaw called the generation that fought World War II "the greatest generation." He may have been right on the money with that one. My wife and I went to see her grandfather a month or so ago. He is 86 years old and livers in a hollow (pronounced hollar by the people who live there) in West Virginia. He served his time in the war and then came home with an English wife to resume his previous work in the coal mines.

In a three bedroom, one bathroom, house (there is also a small living room, small kitchen and medium-sized room that is now a dining room) the couple raised seven children and one grandchild. The night we spent there caused me to realize how spoiled I've become. Serena's grandpa has lived in this same house for approximately 60 years and the house was built years before they moved into it. The house, like its owner, is older now and showing its age. Many people have forgotten the sacrifice people like Eugene made to this country. They came home from war, resumed lives, built communities and raised the next generation.

The great generation did much to build this country. Though let's not forgot all the other generations and wars that have been fought since then. Not many of Eugene's friends and fellow veterans are still with us to celebrate the upcoming Veteran's Day. However, we are still sending young men and women to war and, whether we agree with that war or not, these committed, brave young people deserve our gratitude. As Veteran's Day approaches, let's remember the sacrifices of the great generation, but let's also reach out and show appreciation to all the men and women who have committed their lives in service to this great country we call home.