The Unexpected Value of Our Trips Down Memory Lane

This past weekend, I was on a long drive home, and during the drive I had the opportunity to talk to quite a few old friends who helped me pass the time on the road.? We talked about our days together, from teen antics to horrific battlefields.? Because they were there with you, often, they’re the only ones with whom you can discuss those things.? As the miles passed, through Rhode Island, Massachusetts and over New York City’s George Washington Bridge it felt as if I was on a nostalgic trip, remembering the “good old days.”

But, it turns out, there's more to it than just reliving old memories.? I’m reading Clay Routledge’s excellent book, Past Forward: How Nostalgia Can Help You Live a More Meaningful Life .? Some of the things he writes about, regarding our brains and the role nostalgia plays, really struck me. In short, Routledge makes the point that nostalgia isn't just about the past. It’s about using the past to make sense of the future. As an example he says that when we're anxious or uncertain, talking to friends or rewatching an old favorite movie can be comforting, like a warm blanket on a cold night.

Reflecting on the work of The World War II Foundation made me realize the significance of our commitment to remembering. As I drove southward on my drive, I realized that this exercise is vital for a number of reasons. Stories from our critical past, particularly those related to World War II, hold crucial lessons for all of us because hey help us understand the sacrifices made, the challenges faced, and the resilience shown by individuals and nations. By engaging with these stories, we gain insights into the forces that shaped the modern world.

These stories transcend the pages of history textbooks; they're rich, values-based narratives driven by character, service and sacrifice. When we preserve and share these stories, it's more than just keeping memories alive; it's about educating future generations about the individuals, events, and their enduring significance to us today. It's a way to connect the past with the present. Our goal is to inspire and educate, and make the history and lessons of World War II accessible and relevant to everyone.

Preserving these memories is also crucial to preserving our own identities.? If we neglect to remember the service and sacrifices of , we risk losing an essential part of our national, organizational and individual identities. This question over legacy becomes even more personal for those with direct family connections to World War II. My father was a paper boy to a German POW camp in Hampshire, Illinois in the early 1940’s.?

After passing away last month, Dad left behind stories and artifacts from that time, that he shared throughout his life. The stories he told to schools, church groups and veteran service organizations enthralled, entertained and educated. These are now part of his personal legacy as a storyteller who helped piece together personal histories wherever he found them, and conveyed who we really are as citizens of our communities, and a great nation.

What I’ve come to realize over time is that reflecting on the past actually enables us to recognize the progress we've made and the adversity we've overcome. It provides not only understanding and education but also healing where and when we need it. It’s in the remembering, where we realize that it’s not just about looking back but about moving forward with a deeper understanding of our history and ourselves.

So as Clay Routledge talks about In his book, Past Forward, the power of nostalgia, is a pretty powerful tool to help us face the future. It’s not just a trip down memory lane. It’s a way of understanding where we’ve been and where we’re going.

#Nostalgia #HistoryMatters #WWIILegacy #LearningFromThePast #PastForward