Hey Joe,
I completely agree. I wish I could have talked to my uncle who landed on Omaha Beach with the U.S. 29th Infantry Division on D-Day before he passed in 1999. I probably should have but, we rarely saw one another and I actually didn't know of his passing until a couple of years ago. The only thing I can do now is look up his records if possible. I talked with my grandfather befor ehe passed in 2003 and learn a number of things. The only good thing is that even after his death I am thankful he retained all of his orders from his service time and so with what I don't know I can fill in the blanks that I never go tto sit down and discuss with him.
However, my uncle that served from Torch in 42' to Austria in 45' is another story. When it comes down to the non-combative aspects of his service time hes willing to talk about the war but, if I mention one thing of a combative nature he shuts down. He doesn't like to talk about that aspect as probably many don't. The only thing I have done from learning this is to tell him that when he is ready to talk about it to lift it off his shoulders and free himself of that burden that I am willing to listen and record it so that he is remembered for his sacrifice and bravery during that rough time in his life.
I like talking to those members of my family who have served in the military to learn as much as I can from them before they are gone. They have a story to tell and I'd like all of them to be appreciated for their service and sacrifice.
I simply wish like you Joe that the younger generation(that will GOD FORBID take over the responsibility of our great country someday) will take the time to learn about their families history and most importantly those who served in the line of duty overseas in the numerous conflicts our country has been involved with from the Revolutionary War right up to todays modern ongoing conflict on the War on Terror.
Regards,
MARNE