A common misconception. The term "the Greatest Generation", taken from the book by Tom Brokaw, does not apply exclusively to those who served in the military during WWII. It applies to all of those born roughly around the time of WWI, those who came of age during the great depression, fought WWII and sacrificed at home in the way of rationing and working towards keeping things going at home. Those who went on to build the industrial might of the USA. Those who through their efforts built the modern middle class and restructured society through union activism and hard work. In fact, the whole course of our nation was irreversibly changed in the way of civil rights and women's roles in the workforce and home by that generation.
Now, understand that I very much respect and support those who serve in the military and lay their lives on the line as their duty. (Regardless of my feelings as to why).
But, the uniform does not make a hero, one's actions do that. Just as one's action can disgrace that uniform. There is the full spectrum of human foibles in every group. Including the military.
To refer to every one of them as "heroes" is inaccurate and does a disservice to those who deserve the title.
