Men of value and a call to service is a theme in our family. Growing up the eldest son to a father just returning home from combat in Southeast Asia, I never really knew all of the true struggles and sacrifices he carried daily as he continued to battle onward towards a “normal life.”

Having served with Fox Company, 2nd Battalion 4th Marines during the Battles of Tet, Khe Sahn, and Hue in 1968, his experiences were intense, extra-ordinarily powerful, personal, and immersive. While there is no doubt he carried multiple levels of internal stress and hardship, his commitment to service, family, and community always showed through.

Patriotism and Service are words rapidly becoming extinct or deflated in our homes, schools, churches, culture, and country. Patriotism is not just the drumbeat of freedom, but acts of kindness, respect for fellow citizens, and a commitment to upholding shared values.

We live in an imperfect society and country divided, however, times of uncertainty are the exact times we need to be willing to serve. This world has a lot of problems and they won’t always be addressed by “someone else.”

As Mark Twain once wrote, “Patriotism is supporting your country all the time and your government when it deserves it.”

A flag sponsored by Mike Hudson and Michal Parker in memory of Mike’s father will be displayed at location F-14 throughout the 2024 Upstate Field of Honor®.