Attending Fleet Week in San Francisco this year with Gina was a powerful experience, one that reminded us of the immense pride and respect we feel for the young men and women who have chosen to serve in our nation’s military. As we stood there, watching the magnificent ships glide across the bay, feeling the thrum of jet engines from above, and taking in the grandeur of the military displays, I couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of gratitude and admiration. These service members—many of whom are no older than our own children—have taken on a responsibility that too few today seem willing to acknowledge or appreciate.

There’s something deeply moving about Fleet Week, an event that not only showcases the might and precision of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps but also highlights the human aspect of military service. As the crowds cheered the pilots, sailors, and marines, I found myself reflecting on how few young people these days seem to understand or value the concept of patriotism, let alone the sacrifices that come with military service. It feels as though a great divide has opened between those who serve and the civilian population they protect—a divide that wasn’t always so vast.

Gina and I, as we watched these young men and women, couldn’t help but be reminded of our own children. They are the same age as many of these sailors and marines—bright-eyed, full of energy, and stepping into a world that asks much of them. But unlike so many of their peers, these young people have chosen a path of service. They’ve made a commitment not just to their own futures, but to the future of our country. They’ve embraced a calling that demands discipline, sacrifice, and an unwavering sense of duty. How many people today, young or old, can truly say they understand what that means?  We are fortunate and proud  to have a son in law -Ryan- in that category as he serves in the Air Force.

It’s a sad reality that military service doesn’t seem to command the respect it once did. There was a time when joining the armed forces was seen as a noble and honorable path, one that was celebrated by society at large. Veterans were regarded with reverence, and their stories of service were passed down through generations as examples of courage and patriotism. Today, that sense of reverence feels muted. The conversations we hear about military service are often political, divisive, and lacking in the recognition these men and women deserve. It’s as though the idea of serving one’s country has become disconnected from the lives of everyday Americans.

For Gina and me, Fleet Week was a stark reminder of how much has changed in terms of public perception. As we watched the Blue Angels soar across the sky, performing awe-inspiring aerial maneuvers that left us breathless, we couldn’t help but wonder: Where is the pride? Where is the sense of unity that comes from knowing that these young people are out there, putting themselves on the line for all of us? It felt like the only ones who truly understood the significance of the event were the older generations—the ones who remember a time when serving in the military was a badge of honor.

Perhaps what struck us most was the realization that so many of these service members are just starting their adult lives. They are fresh out of high school or college, with their whole futures ahead of them, and yet they’ve chosen to dedicate themselves to something greater than personal ambition. These young men and women have volunteered to protect and defend a country that doesn’t always show them the appreciation they deserve. They’ve signed up to face the challenges and dangers of military life, knowing full well the risks involved. And yet, they do it with pride and professionalism, embodying the very best qualities of our nation.

As many feel we are on the brink of World War, it’s hard not to feel a sense of frustration when we think about how military service is viewed today. There seems to be a growing disconnect between those who serve and those who don’t. For many civilians, the military is an abstract concept—something they see on the news or in movies but don’t truly engage with. It’s as if the sacrifices made by these young people are happening in a different world, far removed from the everyday lives of most Americans. And while there are certainly those who appreciate and support the military, it often feels like their voices are drowned out by a culture that prioritizes individualism over collective responsibility.  Which is another reason we support President Trump.

This is especially troubling when we think about the fact that many of these young service members come from the same generation as our own children. They are the same age, grappling with the same uncertainties about the future, but they’ve chosen a path that requires them to put the needs of others before their own. In a world that increasingly values personal success and self-interest, these young men and women have made a conscious decision to serve something greater than themselves. And yet, that choice is too often overlooked or taken for granted.

Fleet Week gave us an opportunity to reflect on what it means to serve, and to honor those who have made that choice. As we walked among the ships and watched the demonstrations, we were reminded of the immense skill and dedication it takes to be a part of the military. These are not just soldiers, sailors, and airmen—they are highly trained professionals, entrusted with the safety and security of our nation. They are the ones who stand ready to defend our freedoms, even when those freedoms are taken for granted.

As Gina and I left Fleet Week, we felt a renewed sense of respect for these young service members. They are the unsung heroes of our time, quietly doing their duty while so many of their peers remain indifferent or unaware of the sacrifices being made. It’s a sobering thought, but one that only deepens our admiration for them. They’ve chosen a path that is challenging, often dangerous, and not always appreciated. And yet, they continue to serve, because they believe in something bigger than themselves.

In a world where patriotism sometimes feels like a forgotten concept, Fleet Week reminded us of its enduring importance. It reminded us that there are still young people out there who understand what it means to serve, and who are willing to do so despite the challenges they face. For that, Gina and I will always hold them in the highest regard.

HIppie Van Tour