I was embarrassed to read that President Clinton and his advisors have said, "The older generation must learn to sacrifice as other generations have done." That's my generation. I knew eventually someone would ferret out the dirty secret: we've lived the "lifestyle of the richand famous" all our lives. Now, I know I must bare the truth about my generation and let  the country condemn us for our selfishness.

 During the Depression we had a hilarious time dancing to the tune of "Brother Can You Spare A Dime?" We could choose to dine at any of thecountry's fabulous soup kitchens, often joined by our parents and siblings...those were the heady days of carefree self-indulgence.

 Then, with World War II, the cup filled to overflowing. We had the chance to bask on the exotic beaches of Guadalcanal, Iwo Jima andOkinawa; to see the capitols of Europe and travel to such scenic spots as Bastogne, Malmedy  and Monte Cassino. Of course, one of the most exhilarating adventures  was the stroll from Bataan to the local Japanese hotels,laughingly known as death camps.

But the good times really rolled for those lucky enough to be on the  beaches of Normandy for the swimming and boating that pleasant June day in '44. Unforgettable. Even luckier were those that drew the prized holiday tickets for cruises on sleek, gray ships to fun-filled spots like Midway,  The Solomons, and Murmansk.

Instead of asking "what can we do for our country," an indulgent government let us fritter away our youth wandering idly through helush and lovely  jungles of Burma and New Guinea.

Yes, it's all true: we were pampered, we were spoiled rotten, we never did realize what sacrifice meant. We envy you, Mr. Clinton, the harsh lessons you learned in London, Moscow and Little Rock.  My generation is old, Mr. President...and guilty; but we are repentant.  Punish us for our failings, sir, that we may learn the true meaning of  Duty, Honor, Country.

Note: Passed along by Andy Howard '75's father.

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