Posted on 09/22/2019 8:07:08 AM PDT by bgill
DEAR ABBY: I am a veteran, and something gnaws at me every time I hear it. It’s the expression, “Thank you for your service.” Having lived through the ’60s and ’70s, I remember all too well seeing many soldiers bad-mouthed and worse during those times. Since 9/11 many of the same people who were critical of us then are now thanking us. It rings hollow to many of the vets I have talked to. We did our job, some to the ultimate level. We never asked for thanks, and we still don’t. We respect the rights given to those who wish to abuse them because we believe in them. Some of us even died so all could enjoy these rights. If a person truly wants to thank a vet, DO something for him or her instead of just offering lip service. Cut their grass, offer to help carry in their groceries, etc. While words are appreciated at times, hearing them too often becomes hollow. Showing appreciation is always welcome. -- A VETERAN IN THE MIDWEST
(Excerpt) Read more at al.com ...
Agreed. Especially with so many older and/or disabled vets still among us.
It’s a cliche and it’s thoughtless, the linguistic equivalent of those stupid ribbons people put on the backs of their cars.
i am not a veteran, and I have never disrespected any veteran. those of us who did not serve owe a great deal to those of you who have served. some of us appreciate the sacrifices that you made on my behalf, and remain grateful. while I have been known to pay for veteran’s incidentals, such as coffee, etc., there is no other way to express this gratitude other than saying thank you. please permit me the ability to continue this.
My husband is 81 and was in the service at the end of the Korean War, between it and Vietnam. He wears a Korea Veteran cap everywhere. People shake his hand and thank him for his service all the time. Stores give him free stuff or money off of his purchases. It goes on and on. He has asked me several times why they honor him now when they spit on him back then.
Take the comments for what they express. They are wishing you well. Very few are going to help you cut the grass. Accept what you get.
If someone with good eyesight and who didn’t destroy their fingertip sensitivity doing sheetmetal work could sew on buttons that would be great.
Wear a military retired or veteran cap and compare the looks you get at the airports. There are those who smile and thank you but they are out numbered by those who look the other way or have a scowl look. Its almost like picking out who are the conservative Americans and who are the liberals. I see it all the time. I have to say that of all the airports Houston is the friendliness of them all.
This guy is a little too sensitive. Just say thank you and don’t be a dick.
When thanks are given to me, my response is, “I appreciate that.”
Agreed!
???? I am 80, I was 14 when Korea ended, how did he get to go to Korea at 15?
My son said that the Infantry is the Army. The rest are supply pukes.
I was approached at Cracker Barrel by another Vietnam vet...He merely said “Welcome home, brother...” and then walked on by...
That was the BEST thank you I ever got...
As a combat veteran in the infantry non mech I do not mind to a certain extent, however when I hear some people say it to a serving , or veteran who only issued pillow cases out , or bedding does grate me.
Some joined to protect their country, some took an easier step of joining and doing a job where they never got sweaty, dirty, and just wanted the benefits . It is those veterans which I have no time for, especially since they go out and let everyone know they have served. Yes I know one first SGT who runs the ROTC at our local high school and has done nothing of note and took an easy road
They honor him now because they are not the same as the zero-morals idiots that spit on him then. Now, the Internet has pushed the lies of the main-stream media aside and the American people can see the truth.
Yes, I have a comment.
Words mean things.
To whoever this veteran is I’d like to say that I’ll continue to thank our vets for being willing to risk everything for us and our freedom.
To the extent there is stuff wrong with the VA, etc., it isn't because a few thoughtful people say "thank you for your service." That nastiness/resentment this guy feels towards those particular people says more about him than it does about them.
One time a young man around age 10 came up to me and said this and offered to shake my hand. It was very touching.
I did not ask him to come cut my grass.
My response (time permitting):
“It was
—always an honor,
—always a privilege,
—often a pleasure, and
—NEVER a Right.”
That said: I have had two restaurant meals anonymously paid. That was nicer than any number of words.
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