Veterans Day

I'm not sure that my father will appreciate being mentioned in this post -- as far as I know, he doesn't read my blog because he disapproves of blogs in general. Still, I'll go out on a limb and take a chance, because I cannot think of Veteran's Day without thinking about my Dad.

My Pop spent the whole of his professional career serving this country that he loves. My siblings and I grew up in a home where "truth, justice and the American way" were like the Trinity . . . so interconnected that it was impossible to tease one from the other. And the way in which my father led his life, and the choices that he made, gave us no reason to question that it was so.

I have met very few men (many of whom, interestingly, are themselves veterans) who have as much personal integrity as my father, but I've yet to meet any man who supercedes him. My Dad has lived his principles and values. Growing up, I saw him treat people from all walks of life with kindness and with dignity. I never heard him make a racial slur or tell a sexist joke, let alone a joke that poked fun at someone's sexual preference. He has his opinions, like every other American, but he raised his children to believe that wherever they went, they were ambassadors for their country and he led the way by being a consummate diplomat himself.

He worked long hours and there is no question he could have made more money in the private sector. In fact, on one memorable occasion, there was an offer on the table. I was an adolescent at the time, interested as most adolescents are in the shiny baubles money can buy and equally interested in the idea of living in one place, without moving every couple of years. I'm sure my father weighed the offer carefully, but in the end he turned it down. He believed he could be of greater service right where he was.

Service. We use the phrase "service man" (or woman) so casually. We forget that it has a literal origin. Veterans pledge themselves to serve. They put service above money. In our society, this is almost an incomprehensible choice. And there are many, many people of privilege who write off those in the armed services as "losers" or "suckers" or worse, "bullies."

I'm sure there are some losers and suckers and bullies among them, just as there are in every strata of society and in every profession. But, for the most part, the men and women who serve this country represent the very best we have to offer. They are idealistic. They are brave. They are resourceful. They are patriotic. And, because of them, we are free.

So thanks, Dad, for everything you've taught me and for your years of service to this country we call home. I love you very much and I am proud of you.

And to all the other veterans who have served or are serving . . . thank you.