I used to say the standard “Thank you” before I really knew what it meant. I put just three short years in the Army, and it seemed like it was over way too soon for me. One thing the Army did do for me was give me a whole different view of the “Thank you”. Each soldier is different and so each of my “Thank you’s” is different . I usually ask their branch, and I have never met anyone that isn’t proud to share. I always work in the thank you for their family’s sacrifice and for missed birthdays and/or holidays. I never share my own service, unless they ask. Some want to talk, other’s don’t. I don’t mind the standard “Thank you” but after being a soldier, I kinda want the other soldier to know the appreciation behind it. Sometimes there are tears for us both, most times, not. But there is always gratitude.
Thank you for letting me droll on...
Well said.