By Gary Milner, Corvallis
My parents’ formative years were defined by the Great Depression and WWII. My dad served in the Pacific and my mom grew up on an isolated farm that did not receive electricity until 1947. They told me of, and I’ve read about, the home front sacrifices then. Rationing of gas, butter, milk, sugar, and not wasting food was the norm. People were expected to dress warmer so oil/fuel could be used elsewhere. Doing without for the greater good was patriotic and embraced. Even if it inconvenienced them, Americans did their part. Though I was not alive then, it gives me a sense of pride that Americans pulled together for the good of all. Compare that to folks today who refuse to wear masks because it might damper their individual freedoms, even though we know wearing a mask saves the lives of Americans. I’m thankful that during the difficult times of WWII, patriotic Americans sacrificed together and the attitude of those today who won’t wear masks did not rule the day.