Bob Greene's Once Upon a Town charmed me with its portrait of Americans who loved their country and their soldiers. It's a story of goodness, generosity, kindness, and patriotism. For almost five years the residents of North Platte, NE gave six million traveling soldiers a taste of home. Sandwiches were made, coffee brewed, candy donated, popcorn balls rolled, eggs boiled, chickens fried, and cakes baked just for passing troops spending ten minutes at the depot while their train was being loaded with coal. It wasn't just food that was offered: Songs were sung, peopled danced, hugs and kissed were exchanged. The soldiers couldn't believe or understand the generosity, but they welcomed it and never forgot it. Whether they were on the front lines in Europe or island-hopping in the Pacific, those soldiers looked back to North Platte as a common memory. For many, this train took them farther than ever from home. Many were young and lonely. The sight of women bearing baskets of fruit warmed their hearts. During a few of Green's interviews with veterans, the men had to stop because tears came to their eyes. The people of North Platte gave unconditional love to men they wouldn't see again. Those beautiful hearts brought up tears in veterans' eyes.

The depot that hosted the canteen is gone; torn down in the 1970s. All that's left are railroad tracks and bums drinking booze.

Could a town ever be that generous again? Since we're at war now, the question's quite pertinent. If there is crisis and we feel it around us, then Americans display the same generosity that was shown at North Platte. Americans gave freely to the many 9.11 victims funds. New Yorkers pulled together after the attack despite their brash reputation. If sacrifices are needed, Americans are willing to do their part.

Since this is a different kind of war, huge displays of generosity like that of North Platte aren't happening. The economy hasn't been massively reorganized for the war effort. There has been no call for rationing, victory gardens, or buying war bonds. In fact, taxes have actually been cut with many in Washington pushing for them to be permanent. No one's been drafted. Unlike World War II the country isn't focused on fighting the war. There is a general sense of complacency. Deep down, we know we will win. Unlike the citizens of North Platte we're not in fear of invasion if we lose. President Bush even wants us to live as we normally would. We're at war even if it doesn't feel like it.

North Platte isn't an aberration anymore than New York City post-9.11. Human nature hasn't changed between those times. If Americans feel threatened they'll pull together in ways that bring tears to people's eyes. American's save their goodness for when it's most needed.