|
 Service
In the Shadow
of an
American Icon
Military service is often a
family tradition, spawned perhaps by the deep sense of obligation
to God and Country one's young learn from their fathers and
mothers. During the Spanish-American War Theodore Roosevelt served
with distinction and valor. His leadership in the heroic charge of
the Rough Riders propelled him into American history as a military
icon, and ultimately led to the Presidency.
During World War I
Roosevelt's youngest son Quentin was killed in action when his
Army Air Service fighter crashed in France. During World War II
his oldest son, Brigadier General Theodore Roosevelt, Jr., earned
the Medal of Honor when he went ashore with his troops during the
D-Day invasion at Normandy. He died in France eight days later.
Life cannot be easy for the
young who must live in the shadows of an American icon. The
Roosevelt sons did well, making their own mark and leaving their
own legacies. They became examples of the fact that no matter how
great are the heroes of the past, there exists in the young of
each new generation the capacity to live up to the example of
their fathers.
Pictured below are five
military legends, each of whom served in World War II, and in some
cases Korea and Vietnam as well. All five made their mark on
history, leaving a legacy that would be hard to live up to. Yet in
each case, a son of each of these five great men served with honor
and distinction generations later in Vietnam.
|
