The Hearty Generation

I recently had the good fortune to hear Louis Zamperini speak at Cal State San Marcos, thanks to Marilyn's organization. Thanks, Marilyn, for bringing this lecture to our attention and arranging it. Louis is the hero of Laura Hildenbrand's new book, Unbroken. At 93 years of age he is funny, strong, inspirational, and extraordinary. I feel lucky to have heard him speak.

The book Unbroken is one I will not soon forget. Saying that I loved this book is not excactly right. I could not put the book down, yet it was difficult to read. The subject matter, which I did not know before starting the book, is tough. An American airman, lost at sea for 47 days, then found by the Japanese, and imprisoned and tortured for 5 years. How does someone survive this and forgive his captors? I can only figure that his faith made him able to forgive. It wasn't until he heard Billy Graham speak, on the insistance of his wife, who was fed up with his alcoholic ways, that he found Christianity. It was also at this time that he stopped having the nightmares that had been haunting him since his release.

Louis Zamperini was an Olympic athlete, taking part in the 1936 Olympics, and rooming with Jesse Owens, yet most of us have never heard of him. Shortly after the 1936 Olympics he enlisted, and was sent to the Pacific. That was the end of his career as an athlete, but more important work was waiting for him after the war. He has been counseling at risk youth for many years. He carried the torch in the 1998 Olympics in Japan, and was cheered as he ran through the streets.

He has a great sense of humor. He was asked if anything positive came out of his years as a POW. He said, "Yes, it prepared me for 55 years of marriage."

The sadistic psychopath who tortured Louis for years was nicknamed "The Bird." For years all Louis thought about was revenge. After he returned home he thought about returning to Japan and killing him. When he heard Billy Graham, this all changed. He forgave The Bird, and actually wanted to meet him. The Bird, however, would not meet with him.

oTom Brokaw named Louis' generation, The Greatest Generation. Louis feels they should be called The Hearty Generation, for they were strong and could overcome any obstacle. They were tough.

The audience was filled with dozens of former POW's and current military. The audience cheered them all. It was an emotional afternoon. I felt I had the privilege of hearing an extrordinary man, who shows no signs of slowing down. He has a positive outlook toward life and forgiveness in his heart. I am proud to have had the opportunity to hear him.