Reasons to Marry, #2: Military

During the early years of the Vietnam "Conflict," the only men drafted into the United States Army were the single men.  I know this to be a fact: in the 1960's, some men married so they would not have to go into the military and to Vietnam.  On the other hand, some women married these men because, if they were killed in action, the women would get a pension for life.

Recently, a good friend of mine suspected that her nephew married a woman who just wanted the security of a military pension.  It seems that they had planned a wedding, the military man was transferred and they postponed the wedding.  The man's relatives were relieved due to their universal extreme dislike of the young woman.  Then, all of a sudden, my friend was informed, by the young man, that he and the woman had "run off to the Justice of the Peace" and were married.  He soon left for Afghanistan.

After several years of only single men being drafted for the Army during 'Vietnam,' they began conscripting married men without children.  By then, the couple I personally knew had several babies.  'Vietnam' seemed to drag on forever!  Ultimately, all able-bodied men were drafted, whether they were married or had children or not.

Perhaps this phenomenon occurs with all wars.  My dear mother, Adeline, was extremely proud that my father, Reuben, proposed to her on December 6, 1941.  The next day, the attack on Pearl Harbor by the Japanese occurred, and mom said, "Everybody got engaged then."

Speaking of the draft, I personally think that all young people, female as well as male, should be drafted into service for two years directly out of high school.  If they objected to military service, they could go into the Peace Corps or missionary service connected with their religion.  It would not only help them grow up, they could see how the countries of our world are interdependent.  They would also realize, "Freedom isn't Free!"  What do you think about this?

My dad was a great proponent of young women benefiting from military service.  He encouraged my daughters to consider a military career. One daughter decided she would like to go to the United States Naval Academy.  She sent off applications and I took her to Louisville for two separate interviews during her junior year in high school.  Everything was fine. She was very excited and planned to study Engineering. After the physical exam, they informed her, "We're sorry but your vision is so bad it is beyond the cut-off criteria for an exception."  She didn't seem dreadfully disappointed and went on with her life.

I'll admit to being prejudiced about the value of the military.  My dad was a a 20-year Army veteran.  Every time I visited them, we would have reason to go to the nearest military base, either for shopping, eating dinner, etc.  One time I commented, "Dad, I wish the whole world could be run like a military base.  There is everything you need here.  Everything is so well-organized.  There is respect for rank and achievement. And there is no trash or graffiti anywhere!"

So, what's your opinion: is the Military a valid reason to marry?

My Lord, help us respect and promote marriage as a mirror of your Divine Family: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  Help all women and men considering marriage to discern whether their intended mate is a person worthy of their life-time commitment.