A 1984 trip to Normandy inspired this journalist to write a book that popularized a term for an era of Americans

On Monday, October 20, 2025, Jeopardy! featured a Final Jeopardy clue in the category Celebrity Authors. The clue was: “A 1984 trip to Normandy inspired this journalist to write a book that popularized a term for an era of Americans.”

Who is Tom Brokaw?

The clue referred to a pivotal moment in journalist Tom Brokaw’s career. While covering the 40th anniversary of D-Day in Normandy in 1984, Brokaw was deeply moved by the veterans he encountered. These were men who had stormed the beaches, fought in the trenches, and then returned home to lead lives of humility, hard work, and civic responsibility. The impression they left on him became the seed for what would later become a defining work in American nonfiction.

Brokaw went on to write the 1998 best-selling book The Greatest Generation, which focused on the men and women who grew up during the Great Depression and fought in World War II. The book highlighted their sacrifice, resilience, and enduring values. It not only struck a chord with readers but also popularized the term “The Greatest Generation,” which is now widely used to refer to Americans born in the early 20th century who contributed both on the battlefield and the home front during the war.

The Origin of a Defining Label

Though the term may seem timeless now, it was Brokaw who brought it into mainstream usage. His book, drawn from dozens of personal interviews and stories, argued that the people of that era were remarkable not for their fame or wealth but for their character and commitment. Brokaw saw in them a moral clarity and collective purpose that stood in contrast to more individualistic or fragmented cultural eras that followed.

The Normandy trip gave him a firsthand view of how veterans remembered their fallen comrades and the solemnity with which they revisited the battlegrounds. That emotional experience convinced him that their stories deserved broader recognition. In capturing their voices and deeds, he not only paid tribute but also reshaped the national narrative around sacrifice and service.

Tom Brokaw’s Career and Literary Contributions

Tom Brokaw is best known for his long career as a television news anchor with NBC, most notably as the anchor of NBC Nightly News from 1982 to 2004. In addition to his on-screen journalism, Brokaw has authored several books, but The Greatest Generation remains his most influential work in the literary sphere. It helped establish him as more than just a journalist—it positioned him as a cultural commentator and historian of sorts.

Following the success of The Greatest Generation, Brokaw published additional titles including The Greatest Generation Speaks and An Album of Memories, which further explored the same era through letters, photographs, and personal reflections. These works contributed to a renewed public interest in World War II veterans, many of whom were entering their final years by the time the books were published.

Brokaw’s Lasting Impact on American Memory

The phrase “The Greatest Generation” has since become embedded in American cultural memory. It appears in textbooks, presidential speeches, documentaries, and even memorial inscriptions. Brokaw’s framing helped redefine how many people view the legacy of the World War II generation—not just as soldiers, but as citizens whose values shaped post-war America.

This contribution goes beyond mere reporting. Brokaw’s decision to document and honor the lives of ordinary Americans during extraordinary times created a lens through which their actions are remembered with dignity and gratitude. His book was not only a literary success but also a social and historical milestone.

A Powerful Jeopardy! Clue With Rich Historical Roots

The October 20 Final Jeopardy clue offered contestants and viewers a chance to connect pop culture, literature, and 20th-century history in a single question. By asking about a journalist whose Normandy trip sparked a national conversation, the show reminded its audience of how individual observation can shape collective understanding. Tom Brokaw’s journey from reporting in France to writing a landmark book is a testament to the enduring power of journalism—and to the importance of preserving history through storytelling.