World War II, the atomic bomb, the Cold War, made it hard for Americans to continue their optimism.

Like their predecessors, the Presidents of today just throw up their hands.

In 1945, there were more people killed, more buildings destroyed, more high explosives set off, more fires burning than before or since.

The past is a source of knowledge, and the future is a source of hope. Love of the past implies faith in the future.

My favorite book is the last one printed, which is always better than those that were published earlier.

Washington's character was rock solid. He came to stand for the new nation and its republican virtues, which was why he became our first President by unanimous choice.

In one of his last newsletters, Mike Ranney wrote: "In thinking back on the days of Easy Company, I'm treasuring my remark to a grandson who asked, 'Grandpa, were you a hero in the war?' No,'" I answered, 'but I served in a company of heroes.