IT's absolutely beautiful and his reaction was absolutely uncalled for. I certainly don't want to speak against someone's father but this should be mentioned to his doctor. I think if he's always been like that you wouldn't have bothered, knowing what reaction to expect, so maybe there is a medical issue brewing.
What does your mother have to say about it?
A veterans' hospital or some patriotic organization would love it; hope you can get it back and find a good home for it.