Over the past couple of decades or so, I've become increasingly emotional when it comes to things patriotic. It started with Taps, the bugle music most notably played at military funerals and memorial services. Whenever I heard that haunting tune, I considered the sacrifices made by my fallen comrade-in-arms, and American society's loss of someone dedicated to protecting it.
Then it started to spread. The Star Spangled Banner, especially in a military setting, started making me think about the country and the principles which we have sworn to support, and the sheer pride of being able to serve them.
Twenty years ago, when I was promoted to Chief Petty Officer, one of the many things I had to memorize for initiation was The Navy Hymn. Coincidentally, around that same time, I became aware that this song is frequently sung at Navy funerals (and will be at my own, if I have my way). Add another one to this list of tunes which are guaranteed to bring a tear to my eye.
Military ceremonies which honor those who have served, both living and dead, started having a similar effect on me. And over the past couple of years, the outpouring of civilian support for our troops has become a very moving experience for me.
So this brings us to yesterday's Superbowl. The on-field pre-game ceremonies, honoring our military heroes past and present choked me up. I tried to sing the National Anthem along with the choirs from the service academies, but found I couldn't croak out the words through my emotion-laden throat.
But the one that absolutely devastated me emotionally was the Anheuser-Busch ad set in an airport, where a small contingent of troops came walking through the terminal. Civilians who noticed their approach broke into spontaneous applause, wordlessly thanking them for the sacrifices they have and will make in support of our country. It makes my heart swell with pride that Americans have such a deep appreciation for our military.
And while I hate to end on a sour note, the "patriotic" commercial that most certainly did not bring a tear to my eye was the Ford SUV ad which used The Star Spangled Banner as the background music to promote their Presidents Day sale. As a long-time Ford owner, I have to say: stop it, Ford. You undermine the sacrifice I and my fellow service members have devoted to our country, as well as our pride in the support we receive from the public.
