Did You Have an "Uncle Woodie?"

 

We recently read that February 3rd marked the 100th anniversary of the death of President Woodrow Wilson. It was interesting that one article we read declared his star had fallen from an unbelievable zenith to almost a pit of derision from most historical scholars. The other article reiterated how Wilson remained one of the nation's most inspiring leaders.

No matter how you feel, Wilson had a profound effect on early Twentieth Century life and politics. We have been reminded of that whenever we've had even the most casual conversations with friends, co-workers, or almost anyone. It doesn't take long for individuals of a certain age to mention their Uncle Woodie. Or for a younger person to tell a story about their great-uncle Woodie.

We had an Uncle Woodie who fought in World War II, played baseball for recreation, became an executive at a large Nashville manufacturer, and smiled when he mentioned stories of his "foot-washin'" relatives.

Now we have to ask if, fifty years in the future, people across the country will be talking about their Uncle Don or Uncle Joe. Unless they come from a long line of Donalds or Josephs, we somehow doubt it.