My dad paid me a visit this week, visiting from the Philippines. He’s very much a Republican, some say he’s considered “staunch.” I’m very liberal, but my Texas sister calls me a “conservative liberal,” because I believe in hard work and accountability.

Why do I start this letter with political affiliations of my dad and me? One, we both love our country. He committed his life in service with 28 years in the Air Force and Coast Guard. I’m in my 26th year as an educator. Both of us have a calling to make the worlds we live in better. Both of us believe the U.S.A is the true leader of the free world. Yet, we see a division in our worlds right now. Simply said, he’s “Fox News” and I’m “MSNBC.” We tease each other as we hit the remote and bounce between the two channels. Most readers will recognize the division in that simple statement.

Over the last week I have witnessed first-hand why I have so much faith in our country, and feel we will ultimately be a better country given the current division.

My dad proudly wears a hat that states, “Retired Coast Guard,” as he should; he’s earned it. He has a few pins displayed on his hat that show the path he took in service, which seems to be a standard among men and women in the services. Pride, it’s earned, right?

As I ventured out with my dad the last few days, whether we were in a store, a parking lot, my son’s track meet, or a restaurant, people reached out to him to thank him for his service. I smiled each time as their expression was heartfelt; you could sense it was important to them to reach out to my dad. Their words were heartfelt and sincere. Some literally shouted their message, some tapped him on his shoulder and quietly acknowledged him, most shook his hand and looked him in the eye.

One thing that struck me was the diversity of people who approached him. I wouldn’t categorize them as conservative or liberal, which seems what is currently happening in our union. They were proud Americans. This display of appreciation across diverse lines gives me faith that we are truly the strongest nation. We care. Maybe we are one after all.

William Landry

Arlington