I recently read an article in which one of my favorite columnists, William Safire, explores the use of "generation" in a litany of literary references to American writers. He begins with Hemingway's quotation of "lost generation" and then explores other references throughout recent history.

This massive amount of repetition of "generation" in the column by Mr. Safire ought to have already driven home the point. We all belong to specific generations, and cultures and eras tend to identify, mark and classify us according to our age and time on this planet.

What about my generation? I am a baby-boomer. I grew up in the light of Dr. Martin Luther King and the Kennedys, and under the shadow of the Vietnam War. I have always believed in hope. If asked, I would say that I belong to the Generation of Hope.

When I was young, I was convinced there was more good in the world than evil. I still believe that. I thought then and still think that one person can make a difference.

Hope is taking some very hard knocks these days. Hope may be down at the moment, but it is far from out. Many of us are hopers. We know to which generation we belong.