re: Thank you for your service.

I didn't serve but grew up in an Era when a great deal of men my father's age did as Boomers. I can't recall anyone saying it to my dad and a couple of uncles who did serve (or countless other men in the community). It was appreciated but not always verbalized if that makes sense.

I kind of understand 6our point, OP, though. Not to a point it would piss me off, but post-9/11, it has become an almost auto-response much like the ever present and often empty phrase of Thoughts and Prayers in a way. Just my impression.

How do random people know they’ve served?

Your mom prefers "thank you for your cervix"

I served in the army and I still tell other vets thanks for their service.

Is that a paradox?

Are you a veteran? If you are, a simple pleasantry shouldn't bother you. If you aren't a veteran, why would it bother you?

You sound like a bitch who would get offended hearing "Merry Christmas" instead of "Happy Holidays".

As a retired veteran, why would I get upset about someone thanking me for my service?

I emphatically thank any one I come across who served.

I’d rather over do it a bit so they know I’m grateful. Too much is better than too little.

I can be a little piss ant at times. But I also know how to show some damn respect for those who put their life at risk for my freedom.

It matters. When my husband was very weak and wheelchair-bound during the “bottom-out” days of chemo, I intentionally brought his Seabee Vet shirt for him to wear for labs, Dr appts etc. I did that because invariably, someone would thank him for his service & you could tell it lifted his spirits. When the USN funeral detail presented the flag to me as a symbol of appreciation for his service-it mattered.

quote:

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After serving 25 years I have heard this countless times. I always responded “it has been an honor to serve and thank you for your support”.

When complete strangers thank you for something they don’t fully understand it’s genuine. They are just grateful they live in the greatest country on earth and our military is a big reason for that.

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Well-said and, obviously tyfys!