Dad and men and women like him

My dad served in the U.S. Navy for 22 years. He missed many of our birthdays, anniversaries, and many of our milestones. While he did serve in the Navy during the Vietnam War, I do not think that he ever faced any serious conflicts. During the Iran hostage crisis, my dad was in the Indian Ocean for a period of approximately four months. He was completely incommunicado as was the entire crew of the ship. It was a tense situation, but like so many other Navy families, we made it through the uncertainty.

My dad often did tours of duty that lasted between 6 to 10 months. While it was hard on my mom, we all agree that it had to be harder on my dad. My mom always felt that at least she could go see family, visit with friends, or visit with other Navy wives when she started feeling particularly blue. My dad, on the other hand, had to endure the company of men that he may or may not have liked for long periods of time. He did get the occasional "break" when they docked at a port, such as in Australia where he bought me an opal ring that I still have or in Japan, where he bought me a Japanese doll honoring the Cherry Blossom festival - something I still have as well. However, these breaks were few and far between.

There are millions of men like my dad. Many men and women chose to serve their country either during peace times or without facing actual combat. These men and women also deserve our kudos on Memorial Day. While they did not make the ultimate sacrifice of losing their lives, most of them would have if the need ever arose. It is easy to dismiss the service of our men and women during times of peace. And it is why the cynic in me questions the patriotism of those who choose to embrace our military men and women only when it seems to be politically expedient.