You are right that scholars do make tons of contributions to society, mostly which go unnoticed unless it's something newsworthy. It's something we are just so used to and can't fathom going without. However, what scholars do, in retrospect, is like any other job. Of course they're more intellectually gifted, and they live a life that caters to that, but what about other societal jobs? What if there were no cops to help keep crime off the street? What if there was no waste management to keep our environment (somewhat) clean? Basically, there are tons of jobs that contribute to our everyday lives that we pay absolutely no attention to.

People laud those that put in service overseas because of what they sacrifice. They put themselves in unthinkable danger on a routine basis, live in harsh conditions, and truly realize that tomorrow is not a guarantee. All the while, they have to spend all that time away from their parents, siblings, friends, and so on. It's just a job that's a huge undertaking, and not something that just anyone can do.

So, I would say it's more out of respect as opposed to thinking they're superior to other working members of society.