[US Navy Vet]

I guess I get "irked" too easy.

[Francis McClobber]

No

[Izzy Dunne]

Thank you for your service.

Think of me what you will.

[TADSLOS]

Would you prefer the alternative?

[Yorlik803]

No....the military isn’t cut out for everybody. and a Lot of people couldn’t join due to health reasons.
What Irks me is Fake Vets who plaster themselves with ribbons and medals and try to bash the military. Those jerks should be given life in front of a firing squad.

[aft_lizard]

No. I do not know them or their history.

[onona]

Nope, thought never enters my mind.

[woweeitsme]

I’m not a vet, but I’ve told quite a few that I appreciate their service. If it’s offensive to many vets, then I guess I’ll stop doing it.

[taxcontrol]

No it does not irk me. In fact, I will walk up to a service member who is traveling in uniform (I spend a lot of time in airports) and I will thank them for their service.

[yldstrk]

Some people were prevented from joining because of stupid stuff like colorblindness, and I downplay my service as a JAG officer because the fighting guys sneer at it—my job was cushy, part of the head shed.

So no, I don’t automatically think they are pussies for not doing it themselves. Besides the ones who are pussies wouldn’t be thanking you for your service.

[donozark]

Veteran orgs are in part, responsible for this. Their ads on TV do, after all, tell viewers to thank a vet for his/her service. They do so.

Much as people at funerals tell survivors,"I'm sorry for your loss." People say to vets,"Thank you for your service." It's just what they do. Bothers me not...

[rktman]

Some of us served, some didn’t. Some were drafted, some joined, others didn’t. I know what I’m proud of. Well, one other thing too. My dad swore me in. That was cool. Course he was an O-6 and I was on my way to being an E-1. LOL!

[mountainlion]

I look back when the Traitor John Kerry accused all Viet Nam Vets of being baby killers and war criminals and lately calling troops terrorists. I much rather be thanked than called a baby killer.

[5Madman2]

I usually reply that the service did just as much or more for me as I did for it.

And I mean it. Wouldn’t be where I am without the lessons learned there.

[ReaganÜberAlles]

I feel uncomfortable when someone says thanks to me for my service.

As I have gotten older I more and more realize that it is I who owe the thanks to the nation for giving me the opportunity and allowing me the privilege of serving.

So I would say, generally; “No America, thank you.”

[Old Forester]

Not the least bit...

[PubliusMM]

Nope, never irks me. I enlisted back during the Vietnam war, and I don’t regret a minute of my service. My decision to serve was borne of a desire to help secure this grand experiment, and an effort to make the world a little safer for (then unborn) children.

[cripplecreek]

Not everyone is physically, mentally, or emotionally suited to military service. I was scrawny and immature when I was younger but I did sign up with the selective service. (Reagan was president).

Now that I’m older (50ish) I wish that I had but what’s done can’t be undone.

[Freeping Since 2001]

What irks is the mistaken assumption that Memorial Day is about veterans in general, when it is about honoring our war dead.

Save it for Veterans Day.

[DesertRhino]

Nope just slightly embarrassed and ready to talk about something else. That’d be kinda an ingrate thing to say to someone who says something nice to you. Anyway, our nation isn’t based on the idea that everyone should be a warrior.
There might be 1000 other ways that someone has served their nation in their life.
Id just say thanks.

[Netz]

You're not being fair. Since 1973(?) there has been a VOLUNTARY draft in the US. Not everyone can and wants to serve. Those that do make that choice deserve EVERYTHING we can give them during and after their (your)service. Look on the bright side, since Gulf War 1, there has been a renewed sense of pride and patriotism especially after 9/11 even more so. I remember vets coming back from “Nam” and being spat upon so we have come a long way but there is so much more to do.
Those that make an effort to say thanks does not mean they're spineless or “yelluh”.
I am an Israeli Defense Forces vet and here we still have compulsory duty for all or nearly all, both men & women. I think that makes a big difference, compulsory duty.
One way America MIGHT get back on track is to have some form of service for ALL. Then things will all come together.