Honoring The Spirit of a Great Generation

Today is National Filet Mignon Day and International Left Handers Day. It’s also the second Sunday in August, and that particular day trumps all the other secular days. And no, it’s not a Catholic Feast Day. Today we honor the greatest generation that has ever been. It’s Spirit of ‘45 Day.

Have you ever wondered just what made this generation so darn amazing? What gave them the backbone they had, the sense of duty and sacrifice that seemed to be in every fiber of their being? Birth, for one thing. My generation, the Baby Boomers, were born between 1946 and 1964. Those of the greatest generation were born between 1901 and 1927.

They knew the excess of the 1920s, the hardships of the Great Depression and the sacrifices of World Wars. The celebrities of today tell us that America is ugly, and that we should bow our heads in shame. The Hollywood Elite of the greatest generation flew missions in the war, took chances with their lives, sold war bonds, whatever it took to support a country they were proud to be a part of. And the American people did the same. No one thought to ask what do I get?

We have so much to learn from them. Work ethics, personal sacrifice, to ask what can I do rather than what is in it for me. It’s no wonder today’s youth is all about the selfies. After all, this world was created for them, they are the center of their own existence. And that’s sad. I’ve heard the younger generation are forgoing marriage, what no part of family life, it’s all about money and career, becoming the next influencer. The blind leading the blind if you ask me. Marriage is about commitment to another person. Children are about sacrifice of personal wants for your children. I’m not entirely sure the Me generation has any inclination as to what that takes. And I guess we really don’t have anyone to blame but ourselves. After all, we created the generation that created this one. Something went wrong along the way. Not for everyone, but the loudest out there. I shutter to think what will become of them.

What are the virtues we need to learn from the Greatest Generation?

Personal Responsibility: The harsh reality of the Great Depression forced many to a higher standard of personal responsibility, even as children. This lesson continued for a lifetime.

Humility: The Great Depression fostered modesty and humility in those who lived through scarcity.

Work Ethic: Hard work enabled them to survive both during the depression and the war that followed. It was understood that many jobs were physically demanding with long hours. It wasn’t about the title or the size of a paycheck but that a job was done well. Work Ethic and Pride go hand in hand, and that had its own priceless rewards.

Commitment: Theirs was a generation that often had but one job or one marriage that lasted an entire lifetime. Careers and relationships were not disposable. Family commitment was everything, and that carried over into the work place.

Integrity: People valued honesty and trustworthiness. Difficult times and sacrifice fostered a need to rely on one another, and to accept people at their word. Survival depended upon family, neighbors, and the community.

Self-Sacrifice: Millions sacrificed everything to defend their country or to support the efforts at home. No one asked what was in it for them. If the call came today, who would answer?

Faith: It was faith in a higher power that made everything else possible. True faith gives strength in ways we cannot imagine during the most difficult of times.

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Today we celebrate the Spirit of ‘45 with a down home cooked meal. It’s the kind Grandma use to make. It’s the kind that says to those gathered round the table that this is made with love. Family is everything. Faith is everything.

Southern Smothered Pork Chops
Smothered Mushroom Gravy
1 White Onion
4 Garlic Cloves
1-1/2 cub Brown Mushrooms
1 tablespoon Parsley
6 tablespoons Butter, divided
4 tablespoons Flour
2 cups Beef Stock

Peel, quarter and thinly slice onion, set aside. Peel and finely mince garlic, set aside. Clean and stem mushrooms, slice and set aside. Snip parsley, set aside.

Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Sauté onions and garlic in the hot butter until onions are browned, about 8 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove onion mixture to a plate, set aside.

Melt remaining 2 tablespoons of butter into the saucepan. Stir flour slowly into the butter. Cook, stirring over low heat, until flour is a deep brown, about 8 minutes. Remove from heat.

Gradually whisk in beef stock off heat. Return sautéed onion mixture to the pan. Stir in mushrooms, sprinkle with parsley. Bring gravy to a boil, stirring constantly. Remove from heat, set aside.

Pork Chops
3 Center-Cut boneless Pork Chops
Salt to taste
Black Pepper to taste
Cooking Spray

Generously season pork chops with salt and pepper, set aside.

Coat a large skillet with cooking spray, heat skillet over high heat until almost smoking. Sear pork chops about 3 or 4 minutes per side. Remove skillet from heat.

Pour gravy from the saucepan over the pork chops. Cover, return to low heat until pork chops are tender and no longer pink in the center, about 30 minutes or so. While the pork chops simmer, make mashed potatoes for serving.

Simple Russet Mashed Potatoes
6 medium Russet Potatoes
1/3 cup Milk
2 tablespoons Butter
Salt to taste
Black Pepper to taste

Peel potatoes, cut into 1-inch cubes. Place potatoes in a pot with just enough water to cover. Sprinkle with a little salt if desired.

Bring potatoes to a full boil. Lower heat to maintain a rolling boil without boiling over. Cook potatoes for about 10 minutes, or until tender.

Drain well, return potatoes to the pot, dry over low heat for about 2 minutes. Warm milk in the microwave or a small pan. Add half of the butter, one tablespoon at a time, blend until melted into the hot milk. Keep warm.

Using a ricer or potato masher, mash potatoes until almost smooth. Season with salt and pepper as desired. Pour warm buttery milk over the potatoes, whip until smooth. Transfer to warm serving bowl. Serve potatoes alongside pork chops with gravy.

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I wait for the Lord;
my soul waits for His holy word.