The end of an era

The Andrew Sisters, c. 1947

Patty Andrews, of the legendary Andrews Sisters, has died.  Like so many things of that era, it had to happen.  They were icons of that home front mentality that propelled the US to victory against Imperial Japan and Nazi Germany.  Some wonder if the phrase 'the greatest generation' is appropriate.  I've argued myself that it's more complicated than a single generation's accomplishments.  But there was something about that period, when Americans came together for a greater good, and despite missteps  errors, and flat out wrong decisions, still, they came together.  Differences were set aside, and embraced a feeling of unified purpose the likes of which our country never felt before, or has never felt since.  Now, we sit and watch as day after day, those who made that era what is was pass before us.  The servicemen and women are leaving us on a daily basis, and most of the celebrities and names of that period have long since passed away.  I'm not sure who is left now, who would have entertained the troops, or rallied the home front   It may be that Patty was the last of the generation.  If so, what she takes with her will be more than just the loss of her being with us, it will be the loss of that time when America did the impossible.  She, and that era, will be missed.  Thanks for the memories.