Klint Neal's blog

Tom Brokaw coined the term the "Greatest Generation." This was the title of his book about the generation of Americans born between the years of 1901 and 1924. In this book, he begins by quoting President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, stating

"this generation of American has a rendezvous with destiny."

I believe these words define the ultimate outcome of the "greatest generation," but they may have significant meaning for the Millennial Generation as well.

While speaking at Cornell College's King Chapel, political expert David Gergen touched on his views of the Millennial Generation.

"He said that they aren’t riven by the ideological and political debates so prevalent now in Washington, something that reminds him more of the World War II generation more than the Baby Boomers."

I could not agree more with Mr. Gergen's assessment of the Millennial Generation. The similarities between the "Greatest Generation" and Millennial's is uncanny. Time and time again, scholars, media, and citizens in general acknowledge the devotion to service and the betterment of mankind shared among members of the Millennial Generation. This same belief in something more than themselves is reminiscent of the "Greatest Generation." I have had the opportunity to see this dedication to service and disciplined problem solving firsthand, and believe that Millennial's are also devoted to rebuilding America.

The issues and challenges faced by Millennials, though much different in nature and size, are highly relatable to citizens of the "Greatest Generation." The Great Depression and World War II, both occurring contemporaneously, were enormous obstacles the generation was handed to repair. I find the challenges of September 11th, two wars in the Middle East, growing international political unrest, the development of increasingly strong nations abroad, and an international financial crisis similar. However, I also acknowledge to vast differences in these occurrences, but more importantly how the Millennial Generation approaches problems.

The "Greatest Generation" was not always the "Greatest Generation." With time, history revealed the beliefs and underlying dedication to the betterment of their nation that made this generation great. I believe that the Millennial Generation, learning from the successes of their ancestors, have developed remarkably similar characteristics, but because of their knowledge and the wisdom of history, Millennial's have chosen to use their characteristics in a much different manner. The Millennial Generation has made their voice known and their desire for particular public policy solutions. Time will tell if history will repeat itself: will Millennial's continue to rise to the occasion and use the wisdom of their grandparents and great grandparents, becoming the next "greatest generation"? What will be the result of the Millennial's rendezvous with destiny?