Vets: Does "Thank You For Your Service" Offend You?

[dgridley]

Veterans, does hearing a stranger say "Thank you for your service!" offend or make you feel uncomfortable?

Why Some Veterans Hate it When You Say 'Thank You' | The Atlantic Wire

From the article:

You ask how it feels when some says "Thanks for serving", or words to that effect. Well, it depends and I can only speak for myself.
The big banners "Support our Troops" on a box store: disgusting.
A manager at a restaurant picking up the bill: a bit embarrassing, to be honest.
A stranger saying, "Thanks for serving" while I'm at the grocery store on the way home from work: that's a little more complicated, but they mean well if only for a moment, which is what makes it complicated. Rather than interrogating them about how they voted and are they donating to veterans groups, I have parsed my response down to this: "It's an honor to serve."

[pk]

Interesting post Dave. Thanks for sharing this.

[pahleh]

I'm almost two generations removed from the situation but I still remember being spit at while walking through SFO on the way back from Viet Nam. When It happens (it still does occasionally) I think "where the h3ll were you when you were needed" , just say "thank you", and end the conversation.

PS: I still cannot endure a parade.

[MrKhay]

It depends on who the sentiment is coming from. There are those that are without a clear understanding of what a service member goes through while serving. Some folks ask, "What did you do in the service"? I respond with "I protected the Constitution of The United States". Then the question, "Why did you do that"? My answer, "Because I took an oath to do so".

I learned at an early age just what it meant to put yourself out there for the cause.

"Non Sibi Sed Patriae"

[j10asen]

Dear U.S A. Veterans
Thank you for your service to our country, we could not do it without you.
I wonder how many 1%er's appreciate our veterans?