Jim Dorr

I was born in August 1944, a year before the end of World War II. Even I, at that late date, contributed to the war effort. I have proof – my War Ration Book. Of course, I have no memory of that. But in today’s world of Gen Xers, Millennials and Gen Zers, I started to wonder: what generation am I? I am not a Baby Boomer. That generation by definition is post war.  I did some quick research and discovered that I am a member of the Silent Generation (“officially” 1927-1945). No wonder I had never heard of me!

Now that I know who I am after all these years, I have been reflecting on what it means to be a part of that generation. As with any generation, I think your place in the timeline of that generation can affect your experiences as you mature. Those born early in my generation grew up during the depression and then the war. I experienced neither, but my parents did; I believe as I grew up some of that experience was absorbed by me.

My end of the Silent Generation was very fortunate. Our growing up years were basically in the Fifties - a much simpler time. We roamed our neighborhoods at will, playing pickup games and hide and go seek until called in at dark. As adults, we rode the crest of the baby boom, much like surfers ride the crest of a wave.  We had many opportunities before us. But qualities of our generation helped us try to make the best of those opportunities. We believed in individual responsibility and hard work. President Kennedy’s words “Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for you country” resonated with us. So did Martin Luther King’s words: "I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character."

Every generation has warts as well as accomplishments. We have been understandably accused of being more focused on careers rather than activism. I would add family to that focus. I know I sound like the old codger that I am, but I am proud of my generation. This little piece is my way of not staying silent and standing up for it.