I like it when people thank me for my service, even if they do it in honor of Memorial Day (as most people would guess, I didn’t die serving my country, but I understand that it’s hard to notice what Memorial Day is about when it’s mostly picnics and car commercials).
I frequently thank others for their service and Saturday night discretely paid the restaurant tab for an E-4 who was proposing to his date - he was counting out too many ones for me to feel comfortable letting him pay. She said “yes” to him.
I don't like the direction the military is heading at the moment, but it is hardly the fault of the majority of the fine men and women currently serving in the military.
When i worked fof DoD, all the GS- 9’s and 11’s were vets, and most of the 12’s were the college deferment bunch.
Needless to say, there was a ‘cut with a knife’ rift present, and of course, the college deferment crowd never let it be forgotten, that THEY were able ‘to finish their degree with their own money, and didn’t have to depend on military service in war, as a crutch to get YOUR degree’.
I was wearing my favorite veteran’s hat, with my beloved in WM one day, and these 20-ish-year-old’s did say their thank you’s. I stopped and asked them, if they have served. They looked shocked. I smiled, and said, ‘I did my duty. Now, it’s time you did your’s.’ I walked away.
No. I was originally disqualified from all branches due to bad hearing. After seeing my ASVAB scores the AF waivered it and put me in, of all things, communications. And it takes a certain sense of duty to enlist.
Yes, you do get irked too easily.
That said, thank you for your service.
no way... i believe the military is a calling... it chooses you... and yes, i am grateful to those who answer the calling...
What irks me is people who insult most civilians while hiding behind a screen name because they’re too damn gutless and spineless to do it to their faces.
I thank fellow vets from previous generations for serving as well. After all, they kept me free... For the younger gereration vets, I ask them how things are going for them and help them in any way I can, be it helping with PTSD issues or helping them with classes they are taking at college via the GI Bill, or offering advise as to how to stay out of trouble financially. I guess I take on an "older brother" roll with them.
Now, if you want to see me get hacked off... Watch what happens when some young punk disrespects one of my fellow vets or my flag. That's when the phrase "it's on" is used...
Nah
I served in the USMC 1970-1974 (Sgt at discharge)
then in the USN until 1993 (STSCS/SS, Ret.)
I feel a bit bashful about the thanks to me, but, rather, accept the thanks on behalf of the brothers who we remember on this solemn Memorial Day.
John 15:12-13
I came of age during the late 1970s, after Viet Nam and during the era of Jimmy Carter. Even though my father, grandfather and uncles all served in the military in times of war (my grandfather in WWI, my father and uncles in WWII), enlisting in the military when I got out of high school did not even occur to me as an option. Why would anyone choose to enlist in the military under Jimmy Carter?
Thankfully, many Americans did. Even more Americans voluntarily chose to serve under Bill Clinton and Barry Obama. Now that takes courage and character.
As an adult in my mid 50s, never serving in the military is one of my biggest regrets in life. All I can do now is support those who have, particularly those men and women brave enough to choose to enlist under Barry Obama.
Thank you all for your service.
No, I don’t get irked. I understand not everyone feels it’s their calling, and I do respect that. I didn’t want to supervise/manage/lead someone who was in uniform and didn’t want to be, because I spent a large amount of time and effort to get them out of the service. And that was time I could have used ensuring those that wanted to be in uniform had the proper training and equipment to do their jobs better.
How bout the Gutless Hippie Lib types who not only didn’t serve, but wouldn’t serve?
And notice they’re also never the ones to “Thank you for your service”
Redirect the irritation towards them, and btw, TY for your service (not meant to irritate or condescend)
Not one bit, but only because in our country service is a choice that is made voluntarily. It matters not to me what others decide to do. I joined the Navy because I felt it a matter of duty to my country to do my part then, during the cold war. Personally I don’t really like it when people “thank me” for my service, I did it voluntarily, never had to go to combat or sacrifice any body parts thus I have no need for anyone thanking me. Save the thanks to those who actually sacrificed parts of themselves. Thank the families of those who sacrificed all. I have no need of anyone’s thanks and it always makes me feel uncomfortable when people tell me “thanks for your service”.
No one needs to thank me for my service to the USA because I have always felt that I got more back than I put into it.
It doesnt irk me but I do a mental note that they are likely Vietnam age and somehow did not serve, whether they hid in ROTC, some college somewhere or just didnt report for duty.
Hug a Vet.
You’ll never hug a liberal again.
What bugs me is that an apparent majority don’t know that there’s a difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day.
It does not bother me at all.
Some people stand up and serve and most, for many reasons we will never know, do not.
I served, I would do it again in a heartbeat. I am part of the .45% and proud of what I did and what the entire United States Military did and still does today.
Nope, when I was in and for many years after I got out “Thank you for your service” was the last thing anybody would say to me or any other Vet.
Frankly, complaining about it, reflects rather poorly on a Vet ...IMHO