What to say to those who thank me for my service today
I don’t want to be a jerk. They don’t know. But it insults those who died serving our country. I didn’t. There’s a huge difference between me and them
Today I said thank you and referred them to a good podcast - warrroom Memorial Day special 5/27/2024
I simply say it was my privilege.
A number of guys I served with died. I took the same chances in the same places and lived. My Dad died on his THRID war. I can promise you: Before he died, he had NO problem respecting any and all on Memorial Day. And Veterans Day. In part because many do NOT celebrate BOTH!
No body thanked me today. Maybe because almost everyone in my family served. Maybe because I rarely “identify” as a Vet in public. I don’t need or want anyone’s thank you. I just want to use this holiday - and Veteran’s Day for the few who celebrate it - to remember. Those who came home and those who did not. I don’t make a distinction. Neither did my Dad, his brothers or anyone in my extended family, almost all of whom served. Including many of the women!
There was a 10 year stretch where I averaged 6 months a year in the ME. My wife served every bit as much as I did! More, IMHO.
I might say something like, “thx, those who gave all are the heroes”