Is this generation less brave?

Looking back in history, especially with the aid of such books as Tom Brokaw's "The Greatest Generation" I find myself wondering if those that came before us really were cast in a different mold. I usually come to the conclusion that the difference in perception stems from a lack of opportunity, not a lack of mettle. While our grandparents no doubt wished they had been spared the horrors of World War II, there is a certain satisfaction they can take in knowing that they were willing to answer the call and "do the right thing" when it was required of them. I, for one, occasionally envy them that feeling, that knowledge of themselves.

However, those who serve in the military today do so at great cost to themselves, and often lack the respect and recognition given to earlier generations of veterans. The popular narrative is that the American military is made up of stupid, poor, ignorant Christians who have no other life prospects than military service. This storyline marginalizes what is still an important and necessary role in our society that should be respected. A magazine article today puts this issue in terms of the lack of Medals of Valor that have been awarded to American servicemen and women in recent conflicts, and begs the question, is this generation less brave, or simply less noticed?

Read Katherine Zoepf's article "Why so few medals of honor."