Lessons from the Greatest Generation—A Roadmap for Young People Today

Quick answer: What can young people today learn from the Greatest Generation?

John argues the Greatest Generation's resilience, perseverance, responsibility, and initiative offer practical guidance for young men and women facing educational and economic setbacks. He cites Captain Leonard “Max” Schroeder at Utah Beach and veterans who used the GI Bill to build lives, rather than waiting for opportunities.

John recently read an article about the educational and economic setbacks facing young men and wondered why it focused on only one gender, since these challenges affect young women too. The article offered no real solutions. John thinks the answers aren't so hard to find. The values that defined the Greatest Generation, resilience, grit, responsibility, and duty, are more relevant than ever. He points to Captain Leonard T. “Max” Schroeder Jr., who led his men ashore at Utah Beach on D-Day. Under constant fire, he pressed on: “You just keep going.” When millions of veterans came home, John writes, they didn't wait for opportunities. They made them, using the GI Bill to get educated and build America's industries. Young men enrolling in college at lower rates and young women facing gaps in leadership roles can both draw on that mindset. Quoting Tom Brokaw on personal responsibility and Churchill on the courage to continue, he urges us to help young people build the character to persevere.

Why it matters for leaders: Instead of lamenting setbacks, help young people build the character to keep going and create their own opportunities.

Q: What did Max Schroeder say?

A: “You just keep going.”

Q: Why does John include both young men and women?

A: He questioned an article that focused only on young men, noting these challenges affect both.

Read the full article on LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/lessons-from-greatest-generationa-roadmap-young-people-john-fenzel-bzudc

By John Fenzel, founder and CEO of Heroes' Path Foundation