I work in an area that sees a lot of military and their families (active, inactive, retired). I have a habit of thanking them for their service because of what they do or have done for their country. To me, these individuals are heroes.
Sometimes my thanks go on deaf ears. Others would thank me for my appreciation, saying it was a privilege to serve (mostly older vets).
Should I continue thanking those who have served?
?2014-02-04T16:21:16Z
Favorite Answer
Everyone is different. Some may appreciate it some may not . Some may not like it at all and may fell awkward.
Up to you if you choose to do so. I would think most would say "thank you" just to be polite even if they are uncomfortable with it.
I work in an area that sees a lot of military and their families (active, inactive, retired). I have a habit of thanking them for their service because of what they do or have done for their country. To me, these individuals are heroes.
Sometimes my thanks go on deaf ears. Others would thank me for my appreciation, saying it was a privilege to serve (mostly older vets).
I appreciate being thanked. This is a new experience which only began a few years ago.
Some of your thanks will fall on deaf ears, because many Veterans have gone deaf or hard of hearing due to the loud noises made by artillery being fired or artillery shells exploding.
Other Veterans have gone deaf, because of firing small arms, at the enemies of our country.
Sometimes I will get thanks from another vet (usually recognized by a baseball cap) which I gladly return for I know he "gets it."
Although 7 of the men with whom I went through flight training never came home from Vietnam, or died in war game exercises, I personally never got a scratch. I know I accepted the same risks but it somehow feels odd and I wish there were some way their thanks could be heard by those who never made it home. They are the one who really earned it.
To be honest for my self it makes me very uncomfortable, my husband does not like it and my son just nods and carry's on with what he was doing.
The thing is for instance, wearing a USAF tshirt [a present from my son] and in the middle of grocery shopping this lady wants to discuss the military in full force, etc etc I UNDERSTAND she wants her thoughts / thanks to be known BUT frankly would prefer she actually donated time money effort to some of the great programs out there or is she like so many JUST wants to spout off verbally how much she "supports" the troops...........me I want to grab dinner and haul a$$ lol