Posted on 11/12/2020 2:56:15 PM PST by Hulka
As Hulka replied to you,”Wow”! I heartily concur. I’ll remember this next time I am thanked.
Yeah, that made me think too.
I’m one who almost cries when I thank a veteran. I usually thank the vet for all the sacrifices they’ve made. I’ll add their families too. I’d really like to help them know they’re appreciated by a real patriot.
I almost always say “You’re welcome. Parts of it sucked, but I miss it and would do it again in a heartbeat.”
Bartles & Jaymes style. I like it.
You are a bit touchy, aren’t you?
Geez, just accept the compliment, and go on.
I didn’t serve in the military, but I wish I had.
And I’m grateful for those of you who did.
And BTW, thank you for your service.
I see a lot of Vets in my work. I like to thank them for defending freedom.
However one time I passed a fellow in full Revolutionary War dress, tricorn hat, etc, on the sidewalk in Boston. He got the obligatory TYFYS.
The frivolous reason: the first time I heard anyone say this was while watching new President Clinton greeting service members on live TV in January 1993. Enough said there.
The serious reason: Not only was it a privilege to wear the uniform of my adopted country, it was THE REPAYMENT OF A PERSONAL DEBT.
I came here from a communist nation. On the day I was sworn as a US citizen, I did two things: first, I literally BURNED my old communist passport in the fireplace, and second, I mailed out my completed application for a commission in the USAF JAG Corp.
I consider my service time to have been the repayment of a debt that I owed to my adopted country for the freedoms and opportunities that she gave me - which the folks I left behind behind the Iron Curtain never got to have.
So yeah, it makes me uncomfortable when people say "Thank you for your service."
Because it WASN'T. It was the repayment of a DEBT that truly cannot EVER be completely repaid.
God Bless America
I have to admit, I spent 3 years in the Army stationed stateside, smoking a ton of pot. So, sometimes when someone says “Thank you for your service,” I say “it was a dirty job but someone had to do it.” Of course, they have no idea what I’m talking about, but it does make me laugh to myself.
That's a good one. I think I'll use it. Very appropriate!
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this. It reminded me of when George Bush said at the New York city parade for Desert Storm vets, “this for for the VietNam vets too”. I almost choked on my own bile when I heard this. When I came home from Nam I was amazed, over time, to learn how many people had prayed for me and for US...and how many did not.
My husband’s response is, “I enjoyed every minute of it!” He spent 8 years in submarines.
I totally agree with your post as to the families. I really don’t know how they do it in today’s Army. When I was in a career NCO or officer could expect one unaccompanied overseas tour in a 20 year career (well, assuming the Sov’s didn’t invade Germany and blow up the world). With the multiple deployments and crazy tempo all services have these days it must put enormous pressure on the families. My hat’s off to them.
When I’m told that I feel humbled and embarrassed.
I always respond with: “It was an honor to serve my country.” Sometimes, depending on the person, I respond with: “You were worth it.”
Well done.
Good one. . .LOL
If you mean it, then thanks for your support.
Point of thread was to highlight the mundane way a lot of people go about it, they don’t mean it and they probably don’t even remember saying it.
The most important part of the thread is the tribute to the families. THEY are just as deserving, agree?
Very touching. Beautifully said. Poignant, personal, powerful.
You earned the title “vet” by serving honorably. Well done.
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