quote:

Originally posted by GRIZZLYBEAR:
As a Nam Vet '65 thru '67 whenever someone says Thank you for you service, I find I have to bite my tongue so I won't tell them TOO LITTLE TO LATE.

I can remember on my return state side being called a baby killer and spat on. I wear nothing that could ID me a vet; I just want to be left alone.

What about those of us who weren’t even born yet that respect what you did? You bitter at that, too?

Theres been times for me when a thanks has been awkward certainly, I've been called everything from a hero to even a superhero once. I certainly dont feel like any of those things. With that said I've always appreciated the sentiment and lacking better words I return with thank you for your support. To me never forget seems pretty somber and I'm not that guy so gun to my head I think I prefer thank you for your service but...

On what people actually say or if people chose to say anything I've always thought I dont get a choice in that. Its certainly not required. Who the hell am I to chose what a person who feels gratitude says? To nitpick someone simply taking time out of their day to appreciate me and others who've done their time? I think we should be so lucky that people feel grateful at all specifically because not everyone got thanked. I dont have it in me to tell someone how to thank me. Its kinda gross in my opinion. As someone whos short too many brothers and one sister though I will say I prefer not to hear happy memorial day but thats about it.

There are some people posting up here who havent served and for them I'll say I truly appreciate the sentiment. You never know what kind of day the person your talking to was having or what their experience was but I'll give you a peek behind the curtain as former MIL and current LE. Its super easy to get jaded and down at times. Not all the time mind you, I have tons of great memories but when it sucks it sucks. Its very very easy to forget that there are good people out there who are worth fighting for. That personal thank you can go far further than you think to help us get back on track and remember what were doing and why.

My war was cold as well. Considered as Vietnam era. I enlisted as a 11D just as the draft ended. I get uncomfortable with a comparison to Vietnam combat Veterans or any combat Veterans. I thank all service people. Our combat Veterans deserve our deepest respect the close parking, discounts and other tokens of our respect.

quote:

Originally posted by Lord Vaalic:
So my 11 year old who thinks cops and vets are heroes and loves to thank them, should stop? I didn't realize this pisses off some vets so much. Any time he sees a cop he says thank you for keeping us safe, and anytime he sees a vet he thanks them for their service.


Seriously, I guess I should tell him to stop doing it, I didn't know it makes some uncomfortable or irritable.

Please don't take it when some of us say 'uncomfortable' that we mean pissed off, etc. At least in my case, I would define my uncomfortableness more along the lines of a slight embarrassment because I feel that I really didn't do anything extraordinary.

Please let you son continue what he's doing. He's been raised right.

Uncomfortable with the thanks. I kinda wish it would stop but I don't want to discourage people from thinking of the guys who gave too much The dead, the amputees, the head wounds, etc. People who have really suffered, who really put it on the line and stood the fire. I would never correct anyone, it's ungracious in the face of a genuine sentiment.

Although, it was worth a cupcake at Wally recently so it kinda pays off once in a while. I seldom ask for discounts except at motels, I find the prices too high.

I always accept the thanks graciously. While it’s normal to feel uncomfortable, I have decided that the thanks aren’t for me personally, but are for all veterans.

In a world where too many care only for themselves, it’s nice to meet people that recognize they do owe a debt to those that served on their behalf.

I am not a vet, and often share that it is a personal regret. These are my opinions, if they make someone stop and think or see something in a way nevery thought about, then sharing then has been a good thing.

I think most humans when singled out and given praise or thanks are not unlike deer in the headlights. They were just getting through their life/day/moment then here comes something fast out if nowhere. Which way should I respond, which way should I go, he'll I had better double back. Some deer get plowed by indecision others hang out on the side eating grass and life goes on.

If someone stops and says thank you, they aren't trying to run you over, just take another bite and life goes on.

All that said, I can understand that if it is an empty/hollow thank you, I wouldn't be happy either. In the end, you have control over your reactions and feelings. If you're uncomfortable, say something and perhaps the thankful person will hesitate on the future. If you say nothing, you are likely in for more encounters.

There are a lot of mixed signals from both sides (military and citizen). I can see why people would not know how to show appreciation in a way that is genuine without seeming phony. It might be best to recognize it for what it is when genuine. It's simply a way to say thank you for giving when so many don't.

I appreciate that there are people willing to give so that those in the larger population benefit. As I have gotten older, I try to model myself in a similar way. Instead of "what about me," I try to be more "how can I help."

Being grateful shouldn't be a bad thing...

Never either having been thanked or reminded it's a moot thing over here in UK.

I'd be pretty embarrassed by either comment, TBH.

quote:

Originally posted by Lord Vaalic:
So my 11 year old who thinks cops and vets are heroes and loves to thank them, should stop? I didn't realize this pisses off some vets so much. Any time he sees a cop he says thank you for keeping us safe, and anytime he sees a vet he thanks them for their service.


Seriously, I guess I should tell him to stop doing it, I didn't know it makes some uncomfortable or irritable.

I don't know anyone I served with who would even get the slightest bit irritated if a kid came up to them and thanked them for their service.

From an adult, for me personally, it's more of a slightly uncomfortable feeling because I don't think I necessarily did anything special to warrant it. I don't even know if uncomfortable is the right word, but I never get mad or even the least bit annoyed. I appreciate the sentiment and it's certainly better than being spit on or disrespected in other ways like veterans of the past.

I guess I prefer "Thank you for your service", but I really do not feel like I deserve special recognition for it, I am not a combat vet/war hero. My four years of service in the USMC was my pleasure,

I guess you could say I was lucky in that the "shit never hit the fan", anytime I was out floating around on a Battalion Landing Team.

"Never forget" seems lame to me.

My usual response is to say "thanks, it was an honor to serve. Thank YOU for your support."