BY BOBBY HALTON
I just finished another mind-numbing piece about Generation X and Generation Y and how they are somehow different, inferior, and dangerous. Horsefeathers! I was upset to find that now an even more vitriolic title, which I refuse to repeat, is being used to degrade and insult the next generation of firefighters now coming on the line. I am firmly a baby boomer …. OK, I am an old guy and damn proud of every gray hair on my head. However, I am equally proudif not unequivocally prouderof my sons, their friends, and their peers who make up the newest generation of firefighters.
The true leaders of my generation of firefightingdistinguished firemen and firewomenall seem equally as frustrated with these self-proclaimed generational geniuses who belittle the new folks. The real leaders worked their way through the ranks, took no career shortcuts, led crews in fires, led battalions or districts in battles, and went to the school of hard knocks, thereby gaining wisdom through real-life experiences. They are proud of the legacy and the foundation they have laid for this the next band of real American heroes. We know who they are because we refer to them as the senior gentlemen and gentlewomen of the fire service.
Tom Brokaw said of our parents’ generation that they were men and women who rose to every challenge without fear and won. He referred to them as the greatest generation and, although it is true that they served with honor and dignity and that they continued the deliberate focused development of this incredible fire service and this wonderful country we now enjoy and cherish, they are not “the” greatest generation. Every generation of Americans since Samuel Adams and the gang threw the tea into the harbor has been the “world’s greatest.” I am ashamed of the fools who do not recognize or honor this newest generation’s potential, commitment, dignity, and courage.
I would like to share with you the words of one of this newest and greatest generation, in a letter written to his Mom and Dad. This young man is an example of what we refer to as America’s treasure, our sons and daughters, our nephews and nieces. This young firefighter/soldier/cancer survivor went to our nation’s capitol after getting his orders to deploy to Iraq. What follows is an excerpt from that letter:
- We went to Arlington National Cemetery, and it took all I had to hold back my tears. I know I’m not old enough to personally recall these times, but this place is so moving to me.
- I am very young, but to see the Vietnam Memorial moved me. I stood quietly, tears streaming down my face, with the realization of the ultimate cost these service members paid. I bought a sticker that reads “For those who fought for it, freedom has a flavor the protected will never know.” This struck a chord with me that I can’t explain.
- Standing here in our nation’s capitol, I realized that this is where it all begins and ends. This is the very place where my freedom begins. This is the place where my future starts. I begin then the next chapter in my life, being deployed to Iraq. It all started in this very place that I am visiting. It also may be the very place that the final chapter of my life is written. Through it all, these monuments have given me the sense of freedom that most will never know.
- With all of this said, Mom and Rick, I want you both to know that I go willingly. I have never felt more of a sense of calling as I do in our nation’s military. I know that you are having the most difficult time with this, but, Mom, I want you to know that I truly believe that this was my calling. I feel that it was written for me to be part of something bigger than you and me. I love you and will see you soon.
- Love always,
Gary Michael
Sergeant Gary Michael Henry was killed in action on August 4, 2008, by an improvised explosive device six months after writing this letter. He was buried by his family and fellow firefighters from the Indianapolis (IN) Fire Department (IFD) and the Indiana National Guard. The Irish poet Oscar Wilde said, “Duty is what one expects from others; it is not what one does oneself.” Perhaps that was true in Oscar’s world but not to American firefighters or servicemen. Duty was the internal force driving IFD Captain Gary Henry, a force as compelling as any ancient migratory survival instinct. Gary lived duty, honor, and courage. This beautiful man is a true example of this generation’s values.
Oscar Wilde was a great poet, but I would bet he couldn’t make a second-floor advance or protect a stairway while the truckies finished a primary search. I am in awe of this generation’s courage, its values, its strength, and its untarnished honor. It is with the deepest respect that I offer my condolences to all the families who have lost a loved one, but let it be known that the fire service will never forget or disrespect what Gary and the rest of them have given for us. Nor will I allow anyone to disrespect what those beautiful treasures now coming into our fire service are willing to give.
