1968 was a pivotal year in our lives, not just because we graduated, but because of the circumstances surrounding our lives at the time.

What I’d like to know from each of you is why you think our class was the greatest in the history of Dubuque Senior.  I have created a list of several things which I think would convince you of our greatness, but I want to hear from you why you might think so also.

Think in terms of the following three areas (and any others that may come to mind); what we endured, what we achieved, and what we have contributed to make Dubuque and the rest of the world a better place for those who follow.

We graduated during a time of War in South Vietnam. Most of us probably never heard of the country or where it was located. In due time many of us knew about the war and lived in it or nearby. Some of us never came home alive. We paid our dues in some way.

We also had great music, movies, and cars.  Unlike today when you have trouble understanding the words, spoken or yelled. Cars are much more expensive, with many looking like a coolie cutter design. No originality as in our young days.

Movies are of a much different content from what we say at the drive-in or at the theaters. Most time you sit at home and stream movies or watch a DVD or pay and save a movie from a cloud or DVR.

Phones.. We most likely had party lines. Never heard of a cell phone. Now we take it with us and can perform many laptop functions with it.  

Maps.. Folks today don't know how to use a map. Instead, we use GPS. Thanks to the military for inventing this function with satellites.

I'll settle for the simpler days of my youth instead of today's life. How about you?

Fred D.