The rapidly disappearing cohort of Americans that endured the Great Depression and then fought World War II is receiving quite a send-off from the leading lights of the so-called 60's generation. Tom Brokaw has published two oral histories of "The Greatest Generation" that feature ordinary people doing their duty and suggest that such conduct was historically unique.

Chris Matthews of "Hardball" is fond of writing columns praising the Navy service of his father while castigating his own baby boomer generation for its alleged softness and lack of struggle. William Bennett gave a startling condescending speech at the Naval Academy a few years ago comparing the heroism of the "D-Day Generation" to the drugs-and-sex nihilism of the "Woodstock Generation." And Steven Spielberg, in promoting his film "Saving Private Ryan," was careful to justify his portrayals of soldiers in action based on the supposedly unique nature of World War II.

HONG KONG, People’s Republic of China   — Eighteen Marines and Sailors, from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit spent the day helping children at the Ma Tau Chung Nursery School in Hong Kong, Nov. 19.

Service members visited the school during a port visit by the USS Essex (LHD 2) while on deployment in the Asia-Pacific region.

“This is a great day for all the children here,” said Snow Cheng, principal of the school. “We can all join together and enjoy our time with our U.S. Marine visitors.”

The Marines and Sailors spent several hours at the nursery school, playing games and doing activities like finger-painting and creating artwork with the kindergarten-aged students.

“This is a good opportunity to show that we care about the community and to serve them,” said Lance Cpl. Nathan Karasch, rifleman, Company C., Battalion Landing Team, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 31st MEU. “My favorite part was playing a game with all the kids screaming and running around. They are just like kids back at home - kids are kids.”

HONG KONG, People’s Republic of China   — Marines with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and Amphibious Squadron 11 arrived in Hong Kong for a port visit Nov. 16.

Nearly 2,500 Marines and Sailors, embarked aboard the USS Essex (LHD 2) and USS Denver (LPD 9) have an opportunity to explore the famous city with a variety of tours and hosted dinners with locals.

“The Marines are really looking forward to the visit and are planning to take full advantage of the cultural experience, said Col. Andrew MacMannis, 31st MEU commanding officer. "This is a beautiful city to enjoy a port visit."

The ship’s Morale, Welfare and Recreation division has provided a variety of tours, and opportunities to enjoy Hong Kong, for service members. The various trips include visits to Disneyland Hong Kong, Lantau Island Monastery and a trip showcasing the culture and history of the city.

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The AAVs traveled between the USS Denver and the USS Harpers Ferry to conduct training that increased the proficiency of Marines and Sailors and enhanced Navy-Marine Corps teamwork.

“We are taking part in this exercise to allow our Navy counterparts to do their qualifications, and we are assisting them with our AAV maneuvers,” said Cpl. David Jackson, vehicle commander, AAV platoon, BLT 1/7.  “We are going to board another vessel, allowing the Navy personnel to direct us in with hand and arm signals, lights and flags.

The exercise assisted the Navy personnel by providing a training event working with the AAVs, said the Mesa, Arizona native.