Gosh, I’m Thankful… for the Greatest Generation

Thanksgiving Day 2013

By Jeff Salter

On this Thanksgiving Day, I have uncountable blessings to be grateful for, but one which takes center stage is living in this nation which affords freedom and so many blessings to so many.

But it may not have turned out this way.  Had not a generation of gritty Americans – men and women – stood up and fought for freedom, it’s quite possible the U.S. would have become a distant province of Germany or Japan … or both.  Remember, after two years of war, Germany had overpowered all of Western Europe and had totally blocked off Great Britain.  Had Hitler’s initial plans (of bombing and starving England into submission) been successful, he would have then focused all the Third Reich’s energies on Russia until he wiped them out.  Then he intended to turn to that rich and vast resource across the Atlantic — America.

We were helping England and Russia, but our assistance was limited.  After Japan directly pulled us into war on Dec. 7, 1941, however, Germany immediately declared war on the United States.  From then on, Americans fought like tigers — initially, to help our allies, but in the long run to keep that World War from reaching our own soil.

The majority of Americans in uniform and on the homefront were the generation who’d suffered through the Great Depression.  Most had very little of their own and many had never even heard of the places they were later sent to fight.

This is not the place to recount WW2, but I wanted to set the stage for why I feel so strongly about paying tribute to the folks who’ve been called the “Greatest Generation.”

Important and timely

Have you ever read a novel which seemed so important and timely that you could hardly contain your enthusiasm about it?  Have you ever WRITTEN such a story?

Well I have.  At least it seems that important and timely to me.  No, not FOR me — because this novel is my tribute to the Greatest Generation … and those still living are leaving us all too quickly.  I’m a “baby boomer” — my parents and teachers (and practically every adult I knew as I grew up) were among that generation which struggled through the Great Depression and sacrificed during World War II.

About my novel

Called to Arms Again (from Astraea Press, 2013), is the story of a young newspaper reporter looking for a new angle for her Veterans Day special section.  Who better to give her a fresh perspective than a bunch of old war dogs who’ve been there and back.  Not only does Kelly Randall learn what the Greatest Generation was made of, but she soon discovers a great deal about her own mettle.

My story has action, comedy, romance, plenty of the ‘can-do’ spirit, and an unashamedly healthy dose of patriotism.  You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll cheer.

I need your help

This story appeals to readers of both genders … from ages 19 to 90!

If you were born before about 1930, you ARE part of the Greatest Generation and you’ll find yourself (and your siblings and friends) in my story!

If you’re a Boomer (born after WW2) — your parents, aunts, uncles, and teachers were members of the greatest generation.  Buy this book and read it, because you’ll recognize these characters.  And if you have living parents or other relatives, tell them about my story.  Please remember, the WW2 generation – both those who served in the military and those who sacrificed on the homefront – are dying at a rate of about 2000 per day … so there is an urgency to let them know about this story which honors them!

If you’re the child of a Boomer Generation parent, you need to read this so you’ll understand what your grandparents (and their siblings) went through and how they prevailed.

Read it!  Pass the word!  Get this story into the hands of everyone who loves Freedom!

Don’t you agree that artist Elaina Lee did an outstanding job on my cover for Called to Arms Again?

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Short bio

I recently finished drafting my eighth complete novel.  My fourth novel (to be published) will be released in a couple of weeks — Curing the Uncommon Man-Cold (a screwball comedy with Dingbat Publishing).  I also have a short novella, Don’t Bet On It, which is under contract with Astraea Press.

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Here’s my Facebook Author page:
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJLSalter

…and here’s my Amazon Author page:
http://www.amazon.com/J.L.-Salter/e/B00D4F1YTE/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1375377021&sr=1-1

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Called to Arms Again

By J. L. Salter

Grit doesn’t fade away … it just becomes crusty.  With harrowing elements right out of today’s headlines, this story reaches back into the sturdy heartbeat of people raised during the Depression and tested during World War II.  Though the old uniforms haven’t fit in many decades, their resilient spirits still have that same intensity which helped save democracy.

Needing only a fresh angle to write her Veteran’s Day special, Kelly discovers first hand that the Greatest Generation still has enough grit to fight back.  While all the authorities are occupied during a massive Homeland Security drill, an urban gang of thieves targets an isolated retirement subdivision … figuring the crippled geriatrics would offer no resistance.

Though Kelly’s widowed boyfriend came along only for a post-funeral luncheon, Mitch soon finds himself leading a mismatched flanking team. Kelly’s good friend Wade has his own assignment, with a homemade mortar and lots of illegal gunpowder.

Maybe it’s difficult to remember everyday things like taking pills, but these octogenarians have never forgotten it was up to them to defend family, home, community, and country.  The outcome of their courageous stand depends on the resolve and resourcefulness of an unlikely ensemble of eccentric elderly neighbors, several American Legion members, and others spanning four generations.

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Called to Arms Again – only $2.99 – is available at:

Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Called-to-Arms-Again-ebook/dp/B00D3D3O8G/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1370649179&sr=1-1

Barnes & Noble:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/called-to-arms-again-jl-salter/1115454541?ean=2940016705842

Now also available in paperback at Amazon.com for list price of $13.99.

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