<p>Our son’s teachers were “very disappointed” that he accepted a military academy appointment. They were very clear and very vocal on this point. His GT teacher actually said “What a waste. Why not accept Berkeley? Military people are so … RIGID in their beliefs.” (I was standing right there, so I know this is what she said). He was pretty disappointed in their reaction, and wondered if they realized that their rights were protected by those willing to serve. Oh well, he has now completed 3 of his 4 years at the Naval Academy and has come to expect the disdain of the many and the appreciation of the few.</p>
<p>Funny though, he went to a wedding where he had been invited to escort a member of the wedding party. He was asked in April, so he had time to plan and bring his choker whites as requested by his date (they also did Ring Dance together). Well, when he arrived in uniform, he was WAY overdressed (his contemporaries were wearing jeans and polos!!!???) and the MOST LIBERAL of his teachers (who was the mother of the bride) immediately glommed on to him and introduced him around as her former student. Then, above the protestations of the bride, she displaced the usher that was assigned HAD OUR SON ESCORT HER DOWN THE AISLE DURING THE CEREMONY! </p>
<p>I believe this is a fair representation of how America feels about the military and soldiers in general. People have no problem railing against the very idea of them but have no problem pressing them into service when they see fit. And, as our son did, they will rise to the occasion and serve with dignity and grace for those who rail against their very existance.</p>