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By Jennifer R. Carnes
Managing Editor
Copper Area News
On Nov. 22, 2013, our nation marked the 50th anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. It’s hard to comprehend that it’s been 50 years.
I remember asking my parents where they were when it happened. Without even a second to think about it, they both had the answers. My mom was in English class. My dad was in shop class.
I’ll bet that you, dear reader, if you are old enough, can answer the question without any hesitation.
I don’t remember the assassination except as a history lesson. I wasn’t even a gleam in my daddy’s eye at that point in time. But my generation, too, has its memories.
I was a senior in high school and in my yearbook class when the Space Shuttle Challenger exploded, killing teacher Christa McAuliffe and the other six astronauts on board.
I was sitting at my desk working on a story for the Copper Basin News when the Twin Towers were struck by terrorists in New York. I and everyone else in this country watched in horror as they came crashing down several hours later.
My grandparents’ generation remembers where they were when they heard about the attack at Pearl Harbor, where they were when the bombs were dropped over Japan and where they were when they heard about the invasion at Normandy. Equally memorable would be where they were when victory was declared in Europe and Japan.
Lives are defined by these moments.
It makes me wonder what my daughter will remember. Or my grandchildren. I’d like to think that their lives wouldn’t be defined by war or disasters. I’d like to believe that they will remember where they were when the cure for cancer was found. Or when first contact with an alien race was made (Star Trek, anyone?). Or when the Republicans and Democrats on Capitol Hill come to an agreement on taxes, health care and budgets (did I mention I was a fan of science fiction?).
What would you like your children or grandchildren to remember? Let us know on Facebook: www.FB.com/copperarea.
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