The old man and the Harley : a last ride through our fathers' America

Ride with a father and his son on an amazing journey through America's past. In the summer of 1939, with the nation balanced between the Great Depression and the gathering winds of war, young Jack Newkirk set off on a rickety Harley to see both the New York and San Francisco World's Fairs. He had no way of knowing it was to be the autumn of his youth, and that his entire generation would soon be thrust into the most devastating conflict in history. Seven decades later, author John J. Newkirk retraces this epic ride with his father, Jack, in a silent hope the old soldier will still be proud of the America he fought for. Each mile brings discovery as the author learns of his namesake, the heroic Squadron Leader of the legendary Flying Tigers, and of his father's life on the road and in the jungles of the South Pacific during World War II. The result is quintessential Americana, a sweeping portrait of the grit, guts, ingenuity, and sacrifice that defined a nation, and a timely lesson from the Greatest Generation on how we can overcome our most pressing challenges and reclaim the American Dream. On June 22, 1939, Nineteen-year-old Jack Newkirk Straddled A Well-worn Harley-davidson Vl Big Twin And Set Out To See The 1939 New York World's Fair And The San Francisco Golden Gate Exposition. Both The Boy And His Country Were On The Brink Of An Irrevocable Transformation. Both Would Soon Be At War. And Both Would Emerge Forever Changed. But For One Last Gilded Summer, The World Of Tomorrow Promised Peace And Prosperity To A Weary Nation. In The Old Man And The Harley, Author John J. Newkirk Retraces This Epic Odyssey With His Aging Father. Along The Way, He Discovers The Healing Power Of The Road, The Faith Of The American People, And The Inspiration To Face Some Of Today's Most Pressing Challenges. Newkirk Learns Of His Father's Experience With The Japanese During World War Ii. He Learns The Tragic Story Of His Father's Cousin, Scarsdale Jack Newkirk, An American Hero Who Inspired Millions As Squadron Leader Of The Legendary Flying Tigers And Flew With Greg Pappy Boyington Of The Future Black Sheep Squadron. The Old Man And The Harley Is More Than A Family History, It Is The Story Of America - Her Strengths, Her Challenges, And Her Sacrifices. It Is A Story Some 350 Years In The Making - And A Poignant Farewell To An Entire Generation.--jacket. John J. Newkirk. Published In Association With The Literary Agency Of Wordserve Literary Group, Ltd.--t.p. Verso. Includes Bibliographical References (p. [381]-382).