I know we've talked about legacies before, but let's revisit the idea.

What do you all think a legacy is? We mentioned memories before, but memories only last as long as those that have them survive.

What about family traditions, like what college to attend, service (military or otherwise), etc?

What about a financial legacy? Do you plan to leave part or all of your estate to some group as a memorial?

Other thoughts?

I have always thought that my legacy tomy children was my (and my wife's) love of community service. We give a lot to our local survival cneter. I teach religious ed at our church and am the local boy scout leader. I think that is one thing we will leave our children. Also (as Michael Corleone said) family comes first.

Service is a good legacy. Anyone else?

I never gave it any thought, nor do I think my father did either.

I scratch my head and wonder how my dad and mom raised 4 boys and I am struggling to raise 2; other than by being a good example (a legacy of my dad's which he'd probably cop to), I don't think it matters what I 'leave behind'.

I went to a commuter university, and since then moved out of state, so I have no ties to college. Boy Scouting is something in common my oldest (11) and I share, but his brother is still 3 years to young to appreciate.

Maybe I am myopic: no one will read about me in any history book, and even if they did: once I am dead, do I really care what anyone thinks of me?

I dunno, I'm thinking that we ought to do something memorable. Our parents/grandparents had WWII, Korea, the Space Race, political upheaval, etc.

I know that many of us are technically Baby Boomers, but I've never identified with that bunch of self-righteous hippies. I was born in 1962, and have little in common with someone born in 1946 (the start of the boom). So what will we leave as a legacy? We are now at the age where we can make major contributions to the world. What will we do?

I think the best thing you can leave your children is a good sense of values. People with clear ideas of right and wrong as well as what is important, be it family, God, or country.

Another way to create a legacy is to keep records of family things. Remember those great stories your grandfather told about being thrown in the river during their weeding reception? (I do.) Write those down so your kids and grandkids can get a picture of the history of your family.

Of course dropping a hundred bucks into a fund for your great-great-grandchildren might be pretty cool too.

I agree, family history is pretty important. I have a cousin that traced back one branch of our family to the 1500s in Holland.

Speaking of financial legacies - I read a quote somewhere that the rich plan for three generations, the poor plan 'til Friday.

In other words, it's that vision of their families future that in many cases drives their planning. So dropping a hundred in a fund for the great-great-grandkids is not such a bad idea.