Proud to be an American.

(About two weeks ago, I was inducted into the VFW, Veterans of Foreign Wars.  I was asked to share with the members on why I was there and why I wanted to join the VFW.  I thought about it for a bit and this is what I said.  Afterwards, a number of them were deeply moved and I was asked to write it up and post it.)

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I stand before you today (Veterans of Foreign Wars) for one reason.  It is the special connection I have with my son, Brad Hafemann.

Like many of you, I grew up up having to stand for the flag, putting my hand over my heart, reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, and singing the National Anthem.  It was something that we have been told that we must just do.  However, I really didn't understand why I was doing it.  Even more confusing to me was what I saw when I was at parades.  These older men and women, many in wheelchairs who could barely walk, when the flag would past, they would be the first people to stand, remove their hat, and salute.  Surely there must be some sort of dispensation that would not require them to stand.  Yet they would continue to stand.  I just didn't get it.

A number of years later I joined the Navy.  I served aboard the USS Nevada, SSBN 733, Gold crew submarine. I served for our freedoms.  I served for our country.  I served for our flag.  Serving change me.  I got it!  From that time on, I was the first person to stand and say the Pledge of Allegiance proudly, and sing the National Anthem loudly.

A number of years later, my son, who was no more than 8 years old, came to me after going to a baseball game said something like, "Dad, why can't you just stand there during the Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem silently like all the other dads?  It is kind of embarrassing."

Again, a number of years later, my son joined the Marines.  He served two tours in Afghanistan.  He suffered through the stuff, saw his buddies get shot, and some killed.  He fought for our freedoms.  He fought for our country.  He fought for our flag.

When he got back from one of his tours, we hugged, he gave me back a token I had asked him to carry for me and said, "Dad, I know why you are the way you are!  I GET IT!"

Now, when the time arises and the flag passes, HE is the first one to stand.  And together we say, "I pledge allegiance to the flag...." and sing ".....over the land of the free, and the home of the brave."

I believe that you who have served "Get it" too.