re: Why are we supposed to tell service members, “thank you for your service”?

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I am sure many of the Vietnam era guys still greatly appreciate it to this day, given how many of them were treated when they came back to the US. They also had to kill and watch watch their friends die in an era where the military tech was not even close to what it is today.

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You, sir, get it!

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I don’t understand it.

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I think you said it best in your first line. You’re right you don’t understand it and those that never served, never will. You make light of your fathers duty and I think that’s telling.

I was one of those folks that feel uncomfortable when I’m thanked. I served because I thought it was the right thing to do, not for any recognition then or now.

One thing that has really struck me as I’ve become older is the fact that there is a cost to serving and that cost is usually paid across a lifetime. In some roles it’s less, in some it’s more. If your in a war zone, it’s typically a higher cost.

My role in the military tended to be physically demanding. My buddies are paying the price for that now. Destroyed backs, knees, mental issues and so on. I would imagine if your father was honest with you, he’d let you know some things he’s chosen to keep to himself and you might understand.

It’s ok not to thank me and other veterans, but don’t think for a minute you can make light of the service of others when you have no idea what it costs to serve.

Attitudes about the military and its role going forward are changing. The progressive left sees the military as belonging to them now and want to use it to combat social injustice, climate change, and other liberal goals.

The Biden administration is implementing all kinds of "woke" training to further this goal. This is alienating many conservatives who otherwise spent their whole lifetimes defending and honoring the military.

5 years ago, 99% of people who have responded to this topic by saying "Absolutely, thank all veterans for their service". Anyone who didn't was an ungrateful a-hole.

Things are getting weird now though. Many people are starting to perceive the future US military as a threat to their personal liberty rather than a defender of it.

I still say "Thank you" but understand why some are getting concerned about what the future military will be used for.

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It’s ok not to thank me and other veterans, but don’t think for a minute you can make light of the service of others when you have no idea what it costs to serve.

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*Standing O*

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one can argue that some of them had 2 choices, prison or military

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Yea… even when I went in 30+ years ago, one of the questions they asked at MEPS before they took you in was if you were made to be there or had pending legal action.

There were no “go to the army or go to jail” folks when I was in.

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Yea… even when I went in 30+ years ago, one of the questions they asked at MEPS before they took you in was if you were made to be there or had pending legal action.

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Correct. This hasn't been a thing for several decades. In fact, if you answered in the affirmative at MEPS, you are permanently barred from enlistment. However, the myth that it still happens persists.

I had a person thank me for my service once. Only problem is that it was during the pandemic and I’m a fricking physical therapist that works in a nursing home. it was the most “cringy” thing I’ve ever been apart of. If I had not been in a long line at a pharmacy, I’d have just walked off.

The only one I care about is the one I get when they applying my discount at Lowes.

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I didn't really like to be thanked I never liked being singled out it made me feel uncomfortable.

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It used to make me feel very awkward but my wife reminded me they were not just thanking me but thanking those that aren't still her to be thanked, it removed the awkwardness but I still have to deflect the subject because now it chokes me up a little.

Some of y’all are pathetic.