Greenwood Wakes Up to Clouds but Reminisces About Sunnier Days
Good morning, Greenwood! Today, the weatherman says we should expect considerable cloudiness with a slight chance of a rain shower. Highs will reach up to 81°F, with gentle Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph.
As we look to the skies and prepare for potentially rainy weather, it’s a time for some of us to reflect on days gone by. Many can remember a different kind of weather, a different kind of world, and a different kind of life.
A Stroll Down Memory Lane
Consider Don Hiers, who shares his thoughts about life in the United States from the 1940s through the 60s. “Sure, some may call me old-fashioned or critical, but I believe many changes have been negative,” he says. Don takes us back to a time when America was deemed a “shining light among all nations.”
For instance, he passionately recounts the immense sacrifices made during World War II. The “greatest generation” lost thousands of lives to rescue the world from tyranny. “Germany, Italy, and Japan’s reign of terror was vanquished,” says Don, as he reminds us of the steady economic rise that followed.
Golden Years and Unified Strides
He remembers a time when new vaccines and antibiotics saved countless lives, offering a beacon of hope at every corner. According to Don, it was also a time of unity in America, where Christian morals and patriotic sentiments were openly celebrated. Prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance were a part of daily school routines, binding communities together under shared values.
“Certain behaviors and lifestyles were considered embarrassing and shameful,” he notes, pointing out the significant emphasis on moral values simulated by clean family entertainment shows like “The Andy Griffith Show”.
A Safer and More Respectful Past?
Through Don’s eyes, America felt much safer in these bygone years. Schools had no need for security guards, churches didn’t require safety teams, and homes could remain unlocked well into the night. “Grammar schools emphasized reading, writing, and arithmetic; not sex education or LGBTQ dogma,” he vividly remembers, noting that students took pride in their appearance and healthy living habits were the norm.
A Change in Values
Today, as Don poignantly notes, these values and principles have dramatically changed. “America’s traditional values and Christian morals have slowly deteriorated year after year,” he laments. He observes an increasing trend toward a non-religious society, with younger generations focused primarily on self-centeredness, sports, and sensual pleasures.
As we navigate through an overcast day in Greenwood today, Don’s reflections remind us how the days once were, shedding light on both the roses and the thorns of yesteryears.
Looking Forward
While cloudy skies foreshadow a potential rain shower tonight with lows around 63°F and light, variable winds, it’s an excellent time to reflect and perhaps even spark a conversation with older family members about their recollections. Maybe their memories, like Don’s, can teach us something valuable as we continue to shape our future.
Stay dry, Greenwood, and maybe give a thought to the past while looking ahead. Remember, sometimes, all we need is a little gratitude for what once was to appreciate what’s still to come.
