Opinion: Jean Parnell recalled as member of 'Greatest Generation'

I didn’t know her personally, but I have admired her since hearing about a book, “Mom At War,” put together by her family. If any life was ever worthy of a book, hers certainly was.

In order to aid the effort in World War II, she volunteered to be an American Red Cross worker serving in Europe during World War II. She was right there in the thick of the fighting, helping in whatever ways she could. Her story told in the book is a heroic American adventure.

Parnell’s life sheds light on real patriotism. The feelings that must have led her to volunteer to put herself in harm’s way speak volumes about a time when virtually every American wanted to be a part of a national cause: winning the war. Even little kids like me got into the war effort at the time by collecting tin cans and other recyclable materials to be used in the war effort.

World War II was a time when being patriotic was central to the American way of life. Almost everyone could be called a flag waver.

The awareness of the passing of Jean Parnell reminded me of the sacrifices made by what Tom Brokaw so properly called “The Greatest Generation,” the millions of Americans who joined together to defend this nation. More than 16 million men and women served in some manner in that colossal war. They were my childhood heroes. Americans today are fortunate that my heroes were patriots.

Sadly, obituaries in newspapers around the nation daily carry notices of the passing of veterans of World War II. Along with these are obituaries of countless other heroes like Jean Parnell who did not carry a gun but served in so many ways to allow for the hard earned victory that eventually came.

I hope that all readers had a glorious Independence Day. Don’t put patriotism on the shelf until next July. Be a flag waver.

More patriotic thoughts

Most everyone calls it the Fourth of July. I refer to the holiday by its formal name: Independence Day.

I am aware that some important events in American history are remembered by the dates they occurred: Dec. 7, 1941, the day the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor; June 6, 1944, the World War II D-Day Normandy invasion; 9/11 is how we remember the day in September of 2001 when terrorists attacked America. Although these dates are hallowed, they are not holidays.

July 4, 1776, is the date our Founding Fathers laid their lives on the line by committing the treasonous act of declaring independence from England. The holiday commemorating the momentous event should honor the act that created our nation. So, Independence Day happens to fall on the Fourth of July.

It is more than an event to be wedged in between Memorial Day and Labor Day. It certainly should be more than an excuse to shoot off fireworks and have picnics. In my opinion, it is the most important secular holiday on the calendar.

Some cynics will doubtless call me a hopeful flag waver. They will not intend to flatter me, but it is the foremost compliment I could receive.

Joe McAdoo is former chairman of the communication department at Drury University.