‘Lost Generation’
The generation that came of age during World War I is known to history as “The Lost Generation,” after millions of young people were killed on battlefields throughout Europe, Asia and other parts of the world, while millions more were left with permanent physical and mental scars from the war.
Julia Segal, a resident at Belmont Village Glenview, was brought to America in 1920 from Hungary, which had become an independent nation only months prior as a result the fall of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1918.
Nearly 100 years later after emigrating with her parents — who were part of the Lost Generation — Julia said she is still grateful they brought her to the United States only months after the official end of World War I, adding that she “came to the right place at the right time.”
“I am thankful for the fact that I came to the U.S. after the war (and that) my parents became accustomed to the U.S.,” Julia said during the interview.
Julia, who celebrated her 103rd birthday in October, was speaking to The Lantern on Friday, Nov. 2, about her memories of Veterans Day alongside Eva Altkorn and Irene Mazar, Belmont Village’s two other centenarians.
Giving thanks
With Thanksgiving on the horizon, the trio also shared what what they are grateful for this year, as well as some life advice on how to make it past the 100-year mark.
“I am thankful for the fact that I came to the U.S. after the war (and that) my parents became accustomed to the U.S.,” Julia said during the interview.
Speaking through Jim Faust, activity program coordinator for Belmont Village Glenview, Irene and Eva said they will give thanks for their loving families and friends when they sit down for their
annual holiday meal.
As for living a life as long as theirs, all three had age-old advice they wanted to share with The Lantern’s readers.
“Be helpful to others who need it in your community, and try to keep up with the news and try to find out what’s going on,” Julia said, adding that everyone should help their elders.
“Everything in moderation,” Irene said. “Don’t do things to excess. Don’t make too big a deal out of anything.”
“Live a peaceful life,” Eva said. “Love your friends and neighbors and relatives. Be good to them. Be good to yourself, too.”
To read the complete article, visit the Glenview Lantern.