The Rock and Roll Generation Rolls Onward

We were born from 1940-1945, during a time of much turmoil in America's war history. The US was brought into the war when the Japanese bombed US ships on December 7, 1941. Our dads took hold and struggled for the survival of life as we would learn to know it. We were expected to work hard as our country moved forward.

At the same time, our generation played hard. We were the first modern generation of rebels, although perhaps rebels without a cause. Our rock and roll generation has had to roll with the punches. We said rock and roll would never die. It hasn't, as even the kids of today know of many of the great artists of that day and time and their efforts to change American music forever.

Domestic joy and tranquility closely identified with the 1950s, as we were growing up, contrasted with apocalyptic visions of annihilation. Bomb shelters were built in our homes and the endless displays of nuclear detonation was projected in film and slide shows throughout US high schools.

To combat the brutal atheistic communists that ravaged our generation's reality, Hollywood and even the government turned to God. Our generation learned more about religion through popular culture than by other means. God was inserted into the Pledge of Allegiance in 1954. Bibical-themed movies abounded and no one objected.

We grew into the Space Age Generation by preparing for careers in astronomy, physics, rocket science, math and engineering to stay ahead of the Soviet Union. They beat us into space with the launch of Sputnik [1957] but we reached for the moon and we helped our nation to get there.

However, we were also the TV Generation, learning to live with the technology of the day. We went from the 78 rpm record to the DVD recorder disc and from the typewriter to any variety of instruments that keep us in contact with the world of today.

My generation's quick toss into maturity happened in November 1963 during the death and mourning of President John F. Kennedy. Soon to follow, other national leaders were killed before our eyes. We became morose and our momentum ebbed. Innocence was lost and soon America changed course to the great escalation of war in Vietnam, shocking urban riots, civil rights movements and urban renewal. In truth, we were ready to abdicate our lead on society.The baby boomers then stepped forward, very eager to do their work. Times changed to a "me" generation where everyone was out for themselves

But we give thanks to new attitudes toward seniors and second or third life careers and we, with continued help from medical advances, remain an undeniable part of America's future. We strive to stay healthy by eating better and exercising and we lend support to countless charitable agencies and community needs. We pass our learned work ethic to our children and grandchildren. We continue to learn new things from the newest technology to working along side those younger than us in the workplace or within our churches and communities.

We have rock and rolled from the 50s to 2010 as we help current generations learn to overcome fear and to move forward. We helped America become a super power and we are not willing to abdicate our positions. We push to keep America strong and growing. We continue to rock and roll.