All hands on deck
Seabee Vance Shoemate directs truckers to unload coral for B-29 bomber runway on Tinian. In the background is a fleet of trucks awaiting their turn for leads from the scoop shovel. (via www.history.navy.mil)
Monday, May 30 marks Memorial Day in the United States. It’s the annual day for remembrance of those who have died in service to this country.
My grandfather, Thomas Burry, who features prominently in my book, served in the United States Naval Construction Battalions, better known as the Navy Seabees, during World War II. The Seabee nickname is a heterograph of the initial letters "CB" from the words "Construction Battalion."
The Seabees have a few different mottos, one of which is “Can do,” which means that for them no job or task is too small or too large to take on and complete, no matter the condition or situation. Their other one is “We build.” Both embody the attitudes that we should all embrace during this era of dramatic and disruptive demographic change.
Periods of great change have always required an “all hands on deck” approach, so it’s no surprise that despite the official age range for enlistment in the Seabees being 18-50 at the onset of World War II, it was discovered that several men past 60 had managed to join-up. Both individuals and employers should take note as we continue to navigate the Great Resignation, as well a new labor landscape where there will be fewer younger people entering the workforce year on year for at least the next two decades.
Like any period of change, there will be times when the Super Age will present us with what appear to be insurmountable challenges. In order to overcome these, we will need individuals of all ages and with every possible level of expertise contributing to the social and economic wellbeing of our nations. This is the only way that we can ensure a more prosperous and equitable society for generations to come, while buffeting against further disruptions to our social welfare systems.
Are you ready to join the fight for our collective future?
