By Preston Bellini | City of MacArthur, Cameron County

Charles Wiley is undoubtedly the most interesting man with an almost infinite amount of logic and stories to share.

Wiley is a veteran who served in World War II, had a career as a news journalists and appeared on CNN multiple times among other credentials.

In his special discussion, ‘The U.S.A. during WWII – Judging History,’ Wiley told personal stories of the war, the importance of maintaining Americanism and instilling values for the next generation.

He began his special discussion talking about how Americans after World War I were against going to war again, but almost instantly went to enlist in the armed services after the attack on Pearl Harbor. The dramatic social ideology shift was not just a social change, but also economic.

America began implementing assembly line using companies like Ford which created war items like tanks, airplanes, bombs and bullets. These type of Americanism shifts have continued in the United States since WWI.

Wiley’s generation of people who grew up and served during WWII was known as the “Greatest Generation” as they survived the most damaging World War and the Great Depression. He said he applauded the parents of the “Greatest Generation” as responsible for raising such a patriotic generation as they instilled true Americanism in their children.

He discussed the importance of continuing Americanistic values onto the next generation to ensure that America continues to triumph as a world superpower and clenches onto true patriotism.

Sadly, Charles Wiley will be leaving Badger Boys State for New Jersey Boys State Tuesday. Citizens who missed one of his special discussions may be able to find one of his speeches with a quick YouTube search.

One of the many things citizens can take away from Wiley’s special discussions is that the past is a source to enlighten oneself.