Heck, a child born on Dec. 7, 1941, could start drawing Social Security today, so you’d think that sunny Hawaiian morning 65 years ago would be a dim memory. Like that rifle shot in Dealey Plaza, Dallas, or those jets hitting the Twin Towers, images we’d love to forget remain.
So if you see a white haired grandmother or grandfather looking a bit misty eyed today, think of how one day of horror forced them to grow up far too fast. Think of their friends and relatives who didn’t come back from that war, or how the ones who did come back still wake up with nightmares. Heck, while you’re at it, think of Gen X and Gen Z, too, fighting a war going on as long as World War II.
One thing those seasoned citizens knew how to do was to keep the home fires burning. Even with food and gas shortages and with empty chairs at the dining table, they still loved, danced, sang and tried to be happy. Thank the Greatest Generation for its service — hey, maybe by taking them to some of these Best Bets:
BEST BANANA BELT BET: See? This is why Homer built the ice arena. Just when you think Beluga Lake has set up enough for skating, in comes a pineapple express and it’s all over before you could get the skates sharpened. Well, you can still skate during public skate times from 1-3 p.m. today, Monday and Tuesday at the Homer Ice Arena on the Homer Spit at $3 a person, cheaper than a grand latte.
BEST LBB BET: That’s birdwatching lingo for “little brown bird,” what the experts call a bird spotted through foggy binos just before sunrise. Learn more about birding with “Birdwatching for Beginngers” from 5:30-6:30 p.m. today at Alaska Islands and Ocean Visitor Center.
BEST AND FOR DESSERT IT’S HAGGIS BET: Chopped up innards cooked in a sheep stomach looks good by comparison to what Norwegians do to a good piece of cod. If you’re tough enough to try something boiled, beaten and soaked in lye — or however that’s done — check out Faith Lutheran Church’s annual Lutefisk Dinner at 6 p.m. Friday. There will be other, tamer Scandinavian foods, but the Betster is just kidding about the haggis. A requested donation is $15 for adults, $7 for high school students and $5 for children to eighth grade. The Nelson Family performs.
BEST FIE ON DARKNESS BET: That big moon shining rivals the poor dim winter sun. Soon enough the days will grow longer. In the meantime, what do we do? Light another Christmas tree, of course. Anchor Point holds is own tree lighting ceremony at 2 p.m. Saturday at Chapman School. There will be caroling and cookies, too.
BEST CUT THE RUG BET: You think the Greatest Generation was a bunch of boring old fuddy-duddies? As if. Energetic, kick-up-your-heels dancin’ didn’t get invented by the Baby Boomers. Let our seniors show you how it’s done with “Celebrate Alaska’s Bounty,” a dinner and dance from 6-9 p.m. Saturday at the Homer Senior Center. Music is by Mike Heimbuch and the “Northern Lights Jazz.”
BEST SPIRITED LUNCH BET: If your local lunch spot seems a bit deserted on Tuesday, don’t panic: Everyone is chowing down at the annual Share the Spirit Spaghetti Feed at the Homer Elks Lodge. The meal is $10 and benefits Homer’s holiday helping hands program. Swing by from noon-1 p.m. and check out the Homer Chamber of Commerce’s talk when Sean Magee, vice-president of public affairs for Northern Dynasty, speaks aboot the Pebble Mine Project. The Homer Swing Choir sings.
The Greatest Generation? They might have hoped war in Europe and Asia wouldn’t come to America, but no one told the Japanese that. No one told Japan not to mess with the U.S., either. Four years and over 60 million dead later, the world was totally transformed.
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