It bothers me a little on Memorial Day. I don’t feel worthy. I survived.
I feel embarrassed, it was my honor and pleasure to serve.
US Navy Vet, I would appreciate it if you could help me with a question. My total service was less than 180 days (ROTC), and I never felt comfortable standing up with the other guys who served for years and/or saw combat. What is the respectful thing for me to do when someone asks “will all our veterans please stand up?”
I assume from your comment that you are ‘active’ duty, otherwise how would they know you are a Vet unless you put yourself in a position to be recognized.
My father was wounded Marine in the Pacific in WWII, and brother was a wounded Marine in VN, but for health reasons I could not serve. I thanks Vets all the time.
Did I KICK over a HORNET’s nest or WHAT???!!! :-)!
I get really ticked when someone who chose not to serve explains that it is only for the lower to middle class. This guy was an attorney. After I made a comment about what he was full of, I promptly told him I have two sons who are graduates of service academies. Though I was a “hog farmer’s” son and also happened to go to a service academy, my business life involved the starting and selling of 3 companies. My sons could have gone to any school in the nation, they chose service to the nation and are still doing so.
I accept the thanks graciously.
No. It’s not for everyone.
Interesting topic...again...
I, like many have stated, feel somewhat ‘embarrassed’ when the subject is brought up but I do wear a VN Vet cap etc, so when someone ‘Thanks me for my service-, I will normally respond with “Thank YOU!!, My pleasure.” and move along.
I don’t really ‘appreciate’ the my age ‘Sons Of American Legion” or “VFW Men’s Auxiliary” that had preferred to ‘do other’ when ‘we’ were out ‘doing our thing’.
Dick Cheney’s (though I like and ‘respect’ him) remark over “Had better things to do rather than serve” sort of rankled me but, then again, I never read the full context of the remark nor what the circumstances were that prompted the answer.
Memorial Day 2014, another day to Honor and Respect the Veterans that have served and are on their last ‘Patrol/Cruise/Flight etc’
I’m surprised by this. I never served. It had nothing to do with being spineless. I learned a skill at 12 and knew what I wanted to do, I focused on it like a laser. I never felt that there was some kind of obligation to serve, nor should there be. I only want people in the military that want to be there, at the time that just wasn’t me. My son is a Marine, he knew he wanted to be one from about 14, I’m proud of him.
It takes all sorts to make this world turn. My “skill” has, in turn, had a positive impact on military technology. I can see my work on nuclear subs, satellites, combat navigation systems, armored vehicles, etc.. Would the military have been better off with me enlisting? Not in my opinion, you should be glad people like me are out there, many of my colleagues won’t work on such projects. If you think that makes me a coward, fine, I still thank you for your service.
I am not a vet, but my father was a lifer in the Air Force (and was in Viet Nam). I have other family members (all deceased) that served in WWI, WWII, and/or Korea. We’ve always been a very patriotic and military-oriented family.
I am very thankful for our wonderful military personnel. I do thank them when I see them and all have been appreciative, though some (the seemingly shier ones) seemed a little embarrassed. I also thank police oficers and firemen for their service (one cousin retired from the Seattle PD and another was shot several times during a shoot-out while in service at another PD, luckily he lived).
While some have seem surprised, I don’t recall any being offended and almost all smile and some say “you’re welcome!” or “thank you!”. Perhaps they all know that my words are heartfelt and truly meant with gratitude.
Wishing everyone a blessed and honored Memorial(Decoration) Day!
Not at all. I actually get a little embarrassed, since I was never in combat.
I read your post to Dear Hubby, a retired Army vet. He says no, he’s never been bothered with those thoughts about someone thanking him, but he doesn’t think you should be catching flack over your question. Then I told him who submitted the post, and he said “Meh!” and waved his hand, indicating all the fuss is nonsense.
I was raised by a veteran. Correctly.
My dad served US Navy WW2 Pacific and Marines in Korea.
Even though he is now gone, I thank his following brothers on his behalf.
It’s that simple.
Good afternoon.
My guess is “irked to easy.”
I wish you a fun and safe Memorial day.
5.56mm
Absolutely not. We were spit on during and after Vietnam. And the people doing it are now stoutly denying it ever happened. No, I’m very grateful for the courtesy.
I’m not irked.
However, I do get pissed when someone who never served and who won’t serve wants to get us into WW III.
Don’t get too irked. We didn’t get a whole lot of love back when I served (’66-69). Since I remember the sting of not being popular then, many times I will see someone in uniform and thank them for their service. I don’t always say that I am a vet.
Occasionally I am told that and reply “Thanks, on behalf of those who didn’t come back.”
Most of the times it is sincere, but occasionally it is said in a “Have a Nice Day” manner. Those I blow off.
As long as they keep their mouth shut about draft dodgers, I do not GAS.