Agreed. Especially with so many older and/or disabled vets still among us.
It’s a cliche and it’s thoughtless, the linguistic equivalent of those stupid ribbons people put on the backs of their cars.
i am not a veteran, and I have never disrespected any veteran. those of us who did not serve owe a great deal to those of you who have served. some of us appreciate the sacrifices that you made on my behalf, and remain grateful. while I have been known to pay for veteran’s incidentals, such as coffee, etc., there is no other way to express this gratitude other than saying thank you. please permit me the ability to continue this.
Take the comments for what they express. They are wishing you well. Very few are going to help you cut the grass. Accept what you get.
If someone with good eyesight and who didn’t destroy their fingertip sensitivity doing sheetmetal work could sew on buttons that would be great.
Wear a military retired or veteran cap and compare the looks you get at the airports. There are those who smile and thank you but they are out numbered by those who look the other way or have a scowl look. Its almost like picking out who are the conservative Americans and who are the liberals. I see it all the time. I have to say that of all the airports Houston is the friendliness of them all.
This guy is a little too sensitive. Just say thank you and don’t be a dick.
When thanks are given to me, my response is, “I appreciate that.”
My son said that the Infantry is the Army. The rest are supply pukes.
I was approached at Cracker Barrel by another Vietnam vet...He merely said “Welcome home, brother...” and then walked on by...
That was the BEST thank you I ever got...
As a combat veteran in the infantry non mech I do not mind to a certain extent, however when I hear some people say it to a serving , or veteran who only issued pillow cases out , or bedding does grate me.
Some joined to protect their country, some took an easier step of joining and doing a job where they never got sweaty, dirty, and just wanted the benefits . It is those veterans which I have no time for, especially since they go out and let everyone know they have served. Yes I know one first SGT who runs the ROTC at our local high school and has done nothing of note and took an easy road
Yes, I have a comment.
Words mean things.
To whoever this veteran is I’d like to say that I’ll continue to thank our vets for being willing to risk everything for us and our freedom.
To the extent there is stuff wrong with the VA, etc., it isn't because a few thoughtful people say "thank you for your service." That nastiness/resentment this guy feels towards those particular people says more about him than it does about them.
One time a young man around age 10 came up to me and said this and offered to shake my hand. It was very touching.
I did not ask him to come cut my grass.
My response (time permitting):
“It was
—always an honor,
—always a privilege,
—often a pleasure, and
—NEVER a Right.”
That said: I have had two restaurant meals anonymously paid. That was nicer than any number of words.
Dear Veteran;
Thanks for your service. Now, get over yourself. Several generations have come and gone since you served. TImes change. Surely some of the people who spat on you in the 60s and early 70s have changed their mind regarding you, even if they still hate the war. Even more importantly, yunger folks who thank you for service have born decades of service themselves and they are still at it last I checked. Thank them every time you see them so they do not get as botter as you may be.
Finally, tell us once again how strangers ont eh street seem to know that you are a Vietnam Vet Oh, yeah, that spiffy “look at me and thank me for my service” ball cap?
Take it off and you are just an older dude walking in WalMart.
Did I say “Thank you for service” yet?
Signed,
A guy who doesn’t wear an “I love me “ hat and just goes about bearing my circumstances privately between myself and my Creator, the rest is fluff.
The problem with clichés is that through overuse the meaning becomes weak or even lost, though the truth that they express is the reason they have become overused.
The nagging feeling that an expression might be a cliché is a signal to think of something else or maybe consult the thesaurus.
Where have good manners gone?
Help a vet who actually needs help because he lost something in service to his country. Many of us are retired military and doing just fine. Sure a lot of midwatches boring holes under an empty ocean [submariner], but I got a paycheck, GI bill and reserve retirement. I don't resent a thank you for your service, but I think it's misplaced and should be directed to those who sacrificed life, limb or health, or suffers from PTSD.