Replies to "Thank you for your service."

[Graham]

Replies to "Thank you for your service."

Gratitude for service as opposed to simply giving thanks. Interesting....

For the type of courage that comes from deep within an individual, of a man drafted into service who is forced to make the most of an impossible situation and who dies storming the beaches on D-Day in the hope that his children can somehow free themselves from tyranny? Absolutely.

What about for an upper-middle class volunteer in a professional army, who signs up to see the world and become a man, who is paid to implement policy deemed necessary to the national interest, who then gets vaporized by an IED while riding to pick up provisions in an underarmored vehicle?

When the above eighteen-year old is awarded a posthumous medal for courage simply because he ended-up a victim of military incompetence, and when his family is forced to participate in a bizarre ritual which includes a formal 'thank you' for his 'unselfish sacrifice' and a folded flag, is that any different than the first example?

Because, when we bestow gratitude, perhaps we owe it to the dead to first think about we are being grateful for.

 

[EventHorizon]

Gratitude for service as opposed to simply giving thanks. Interesting....

For the type of courage that comes from deep within an individual, of a man drafted into service who is forced to make the most of an impossible situation and who dies storming the beaches on D-Day in the hope that his children can somehow free themselves from tyranny? Absolutely.

What about for an upper-middle class volunteer in a professional army, who signs up to see the world and become a man, who is paid to implement policy deemed necessary to the national interest, who then gets vaporized by an IED while riding to pick up provisions in an underarmored vehicle?

When the above eighteen-year old is awarded a posthumous medal for courage simply because he ended-up a victim of military incompetence, and when his family is forced to participate in a bizarre ritual which includes a formal 'thank you' for his 'unselfish sacrifice' and a folded flag, is that any different than the first example?

Because, when we bestow gratitude, perhaps we owe it to the dead to first think about we are being grateful for.

You're changing the profile of the draftee from involuntary to freedom fighter while assuming the middle-class kid didn't have anything other than self-interest beyond his initial motive. Not a fair call in my view. I'm more inclined to think that kid's death the greater sacrifice as at least he volunteered to get into harms way. The draftee didn't have a choice and the fact that he 'stepped up' to make the most of it doesn't make his the greater loss. Also, you're making a terrible framework of value - comparing essentially a 'shit happens' of the kid and grand opera of the draftee. Neither man had control of the context in which they died. You think the youngster would have wanted to die like that as opposed to storming some important site? Does his death really change in value given the precise context? I'd have thanked both for their service with the odds being the kid hadn't heard it so often as to get annoyed...

 

[Greg Langelius *]

I'll buy him a beer

I often do. That may be because two of the three watering holes in our small village are the VFW and The Legion. The third is/was nice enough back when I went, but for some indefinable reason I now feel out of place there. I chalk that up to me being weird and leave it at that.

One thing that brings home reality is the simple fact that our Veterans' Clubs are no longer capable of existing solely on the custom of our local Veterans. Of obvious necessity, our doors are open to the general public. I didn't like it at first, fearing vaguely unpleasant changes, but soon bowed to the obvious.

The inevitable happened, and soon I noticed how we original Veterans were being ridiculed and harangued over our thoughts and traditions in our own midst by guests who neither served nor approved of service outright. I simply shake my head and occasionally quietly remind the Post leadership that such is the price of survival in our current day and age.

Recently the wall plaque listing the names of Village citizens who had lost their lives in service to their Nation in WWII, Korea, and RVN was taken down and replaced with a menu/pricelist.

Take it in stride, I do. Like it, I won't. Ever.

Greg

 

[Maggot]

Recently the wall plaque listing the names of Village citizens who had lost their lives in service to their Nation in WWII, Korea, and RVN was taken down and replaced with a menu/pricelist.

.

Greg

WTF, Im no great flag waver but some one in charge needs a knuckle sam'mich.

 

[xs hedspace]

That won't fly at our Legion Post! Speak up, Greg! Our post requires a non member to be signed in as a guest of a member, BTW, if he's drinking at the bar.
I always feel like saying in response to thanks for your service, I did squat, thank the guys in the cemetery.

 

[TNT]

There's an important idea floating around here, and that is: to many people you and the guys in the cemetery are the same - you represent them. Wearing the uniform they did, serving in some capacity in the same military they did - to those around you, you are the representatives of those dead heroes. Take the thanks graciously, as you are doing it not for you, but for those who have passed before you. Mentioning that their sacrifice is what is deserving of thanks is also well and good, so long as it's spoken and intended earnestly.

 

[proneshooter]

So do most of you really see it is just a job that requires no thanks?

I did, and still do.

 

[sirhrmechanic]

I often do. That may be because two of the three watering holes in our small village are the VFW and The Legion. The third is/was nice enough back when I went, but for some indefinable reason I now feel out of place there. I chalk that up to me being weird and leave it at that.

One thing that brings home reality is the simple fact that our Veterans' Clubs are no longer capable of existing solely on the custom of our local Veterans. Of obvious necessity, our doors are open to the general public. I didn't like it at first, fearing vaguely unpleasant changes, but soon bowed to the obvious.

The inevitable happened, and soon I noticed how we original Veterans were being ridiculed and harangued over our thoughts and traditions in our own midst by guests who neither served nor approved of service outright. I simply shake my head and occasionally quietly remind the Post leadership that such is the price of survival in our current day and age.

Recently the wall plaque listing the names of Village citizens who had lost their lives in service to their Nation in WWII, Korea, and RVN was taken down and replaced with a menu/pricelist.

Take it in stride, I do. Like it, I won't. Ever.

Greg

Wrong on every level. Sorry that's happening, Greg.

 

[kraigWY]

"Thank You for your Service"

Where were you 46 years ago.

Fuck it.......................It don't mean nothin'

 

[Tactical]

When I see in uniform I purchase coffee or what ever for them. Not much just want them to know some appreciate there sacrifice. Words are cheap actions speak louder Same reason I give service discount on my products.

 

[Former0302]

There's an important idea floating around here, and that is: to many people you and the guys in the cemetery are the same - you represent them. Wearing the uniform they did, serving in some capacity in the same military they did - to those around you, you are the representatives of those dead heroes. Take the thanks graciously, as you are doing it not for you, but for those who have passed before you. Mentioning that their sacrifice is what is deserving of thanks is also well and good, so long as it's spoken and intended earnestly.

I think the issue is when the "thanks" is given in a disingenuous way coming from someone who gives off an entitled attitude. Sort of like post 9-11 when every soccer Mom was flying ever bigger American flags to "out patriot" their neighbors all the while saying they're embarrassed to admit they are Americans when traveling abroad. One could say, "well, isn't it great that everyone is being so patriotic" while another could say, "it's a shame patriotism is just another passing fad / meme for some people and ironically their "showiness" just proves it means very little to those people."

I'm lucky enough to be a former "peacetime" Marine, so I don't have the same reaction to someone saying thanks for service as a combat veteran who has risked all and lost friends. It rarely happens to me, but the few times it has I've just gotten embarrassed and usually say I never saw war, and the combat vets deserve the thanks...or just quietly say thanks and go about my business. I can understand how if the "thank you" is given less as a thank you and more as a compulsory thing that it would be considered condescending and/or actually insulting to both the serviceman and everyone they represent.

Still, it's better than what this nation did to my Dad's generation upon returning from Vietnam.

 

[Ledzep]

I say, "You're welcome".

 

[xs hedspace]

My little payback, is I am the head of the Honor Guard at the Woodstock Legion post, we just did 2 funerals for WW2 vets in the last 2 weeks. Families are grateful, their thanks are welcomed. We even have a bagpiper on call, if requested. The pipes always blurs my vision......especially as she plays "Going Home" as she marches off into the distance.

 

[sirhrmechanic]

Was at the barber yesterday am... and she told me that she and her husband were at a Cracker Barrel over the weekend. There was a table of six guys in military uniform a couple of tables over having breakfast. She called over the waitress and asked to pay their tab. The waitress said thanks, but that someone else had already taken care of it. She was really impressed that someone had done it already. It made her day.

There are a lot of good folks out there... my guess is that while some use phrases like "Thanks for your service" as a reflex action or to make themselves feel good... plenty of folks out there, when expressing their thanks, really mean it from deep down and ask for/expect nothing in return.

Anyway, her Cracker Barrel story kind of made my day...

Cheers,

Sirhr

 

[Mark williams]

Here's the times when I give thanks. When I'm hunting. When I'm fishing. When I'm at the ballpark with my son. When I'm having a cold beer with my friends around the grill. When I'm having a date with my wife. When we wake up on Christmas morning with my family. When I'm able to have hot showers. When I'm able to sit in the air condition. When I go on vacation. When me and family take in a movie. When I'm able to come and go as I choose. These are just some of the things that I thank our servicemen dead and alive for their sacrifices that allow me to do these things. I expect nothing in return for I'm not worthy of that. I also thank god, the almighty. My two cents!

 

[kraigWY]

I was on a guided bear hunt the first week of June. There were 3 other hunters in camp and two guides. All were of the conservative persuasion but I was surprised on the lack of support for the military.

One of the guides mentioned that his father would have disowned him if he joined the military. Why, guess they were above it.

Another was a corp. accountant. He thought it undeserving that a guy could spend 6 years in the military and have their collage paid for. His son just graduated from college and it cost him a mint. Why should he have to pay for some vets education.

I asked him what he thought it cost per hour if he had to pay monthly for six years. I added that if you work for less then min. wage, and added that cost to the soldiers pay, wouldn't it be the same as the soldier paying for his own college. He kind of agreed with that but still I don't think I swayed him.

I guess I hang around a different crowd. I didn't realize so many normally conservative people cared so little for the military or vets. These guys were friendly enough but I have the feeling I was the redheaded step child of the group.

Don't know if this is the way it is all over, but I do think this country isn't near as pro-military, pro-vet as many would like to believe.

Maybe I'm just bitter in my old age.

 

[Mark williams]

I was on a guided bear hunt the first week of June. There were 3 other hunters in camp and two guides. All were of the conservative persuasion but I was surprised on the lack of support for the military.

One of the guides mentioned that his father would have disowned him if he joined the military. Why, guess they were above it.

Another was a corp. accountant. He thought it undeserving that a guy could spend 6 years in the military and have their collage paid for. His son just graduated from college and it cost him a mint. Why should he have to pay for some vets education.

I asked him what he thought it cost per hour if he had to pay monthly for six years. I added that if you work for less then min. wage, and added that cost to the soldiers pay, wouldn't it be the same as the soldier paying for his own college. He kind of agreed with that but still I don't think I swayed him.

I guess I hang around a different crowd. I didn't realize so many normally conservative people cared so little for the military or vets. These guys were friendly enough but I have the feeling I was the redheaded step child of the group.

Don't know if this is the way it is all over, but I do think this country isn't near as pro-military, pro-vet as many would like to believe.

Maybe I'm just bitter in my old age.

kraig, this country has turned into the me and I type people that feel they are special and entitled. Lots of people, most aren't thankful for a whole lot because they think their more important and special than anyone else.

 

[Centuriator]

So, it pisses off [some] vets when people thank them for their service?

Well, too bad.

Won't stop me from expressing my gratitude.

If you don't happen to like it, well, too bad.

 

[DarnYankeeUSMC]

So, it pisses off [some] vets when people thank them for their service?

Well, too bad.

Won't stop me from expressing my gratitude.

If you don't happen to like it, well, too bad.

Not just this particular reply but it and many more in this thread. You are having difficulties with reading comprehension. No one said that a "Thank You" is not welcomed. It is the ones that are a flippant, hap hearted and insincere that is not wanted. If you are saying it because it's the thing to do then keep it to your self. If you appreciate some ones service and you thank them they will know you TRUELY mean it.

 

[proneshooter]

One of the guides mentioned that his father would have disowned him if he joined the military. Why, guess they were above it.

Another was a corp. accountant. He thought it undeserving that a guy could spend 6 years in the military and have their collage paid for. His son just graduated from college and it cost him a mint. Why should he have to pay for some vets education.

Fuck both of them.

I got my college degree for "free" at Uncle Sam's Yacht Club and I would have gladly rubbed it in that dipshit's face.

 

[ArmyJerry]

Yep I am finally coming to the conclusion that Drill Sgt Dagget and Hollis were right, civilians are the lowest form of life on the planet, never to be trusted.

 

[XTR]

Usually it sounds like they say it because they feel they have to, not that they mean it. It's not only begrudgingly said, it's disingenuous at best. Like saying no offense before slinging an offense.

I have replied, "I didn't do it for you" but 99% of the time the voice inside my head replies, asshole. It's during those that I don't say anything in reply out loud, I fast forward past it as if it wasn't said.

There are a few who truly mean it and you can tell the difference.

Most of the people who know me don't know I ever rode submarines. I don't talk about it, and it really never comes up. The first time anyone ever said it to me was on Veterans day after I'd been out for five yrs or so. He walked into my office shook and my hand. It actually took me a minute to figure out what he was talking about, because quite honestly I'd never thought about it until that moment.

Lately it's just a few friends who didn't serve who say it to me on Veterans day, and they mean it. I guess I've never seen it the way you guys are seeing.

 

[TNT]

Most of the people who know me don't know I ever rode submarines. I don't talk about it, and it really never comes up. The first time anyone ever said it to me was on Veterans day after I'd been out for five yrs or so. He walked into my office shook and my hand. It actually took me a minute to figure out what he was talking about, because quite honestly I'd never thought about it until that moment.

Lately it's just a few friends who didn't serve who say it to me on Veterans day, and they mean it. I guess I've never seen it the way you guys are seeing.

The only real Marine is a Submarine. The true Corps is the Reactor Core. Now it's time for me to duck!

I rode a few training cruises - about 10 days in total. I am amazed you guys can do it for as long as you do on deployment. Thanks for being out there in the deep blue. I only spent my time in that darned office you all had to go to a few times in your career. When someone says thank you to me, I think about you guys and the rest that are out there on mission.

 

[Unknown]

I sort of hoped that when I look someone in the eye, and give them a genuine "Thank you" for anything..whether it be helping my wife with her groceries to serving our country that the thanks would be accepted as genuinely and sincerely as it was offered.

I am most grateful for anyone willing to lay down their life for our country, or to serve my community. The EMT's who helped my wife sure knew that my "Thank you" was genuine. I hope this is the context that Lowlight and Graham refer to.

I can understand how sayings become trite and cheapened by overuse. To be more proactive, I wonder what do those who dislike "Thanks for your service" suggest for people who never served?

 

[luvtoclimb1976]

I have been reading this topic and understand everyone's different views. I thought I would just give my two cents with a couple examples. When I graduated basic training and AIT in 1996 my liberal (socialist, gun grabbing) brother called me a baby killer. My response was "I have to go to war first to kill the babies". Not the best response really. Thinking back I should have just not responded and marked him off as a simple dip-shit. All I did was give him fuel for his dumb beliefs. The next example was one of my supervisors at work. He has never served and is conservative but doesn't agree with military benefits. I recently finished school on my GI Bill and he gave his opinion that myself and any other who had their schooling paid for by the government for military service (as well as anyone receiving other benefits, he specifically stated VA disability) was as much of a leach to the system as any well fare recipient. I told him I disagreed with his stance and left it at that. I don't really give a crap of his opinion one way or the other, it does not effect my life other then I can't tell him he's dumb because he is able to make my work life miserable. I don't really care if a person is sincere in thanks for service or not, I think a thanks is better then ridicule. Personally I would prefer they don't say anything one way or the other but I'm not going to be sarcastic at this point in my life it just enforces their negative beliefs. Insincere thanks is better then ridicule in my opinion. That is all just my opinion of course and am not judging anyone's way of responding to insincere thanks. If you respond with a smart ass retort that's cool with me, just I don't anymore.

 

[alpine44]

Ideally, the person saying TYFYS would mean it sincerely, would understand your particular situation, what serving meant to you, how many friends you lost, how many life-long buddies you made, etc. But in reality, few know, want to know, or even have the capacity to understand.

Rather than speculating about the depth and intention of their sentiment (and even rudely displaying disdain), how about replying in a fashion that compels people to have a deeper appreciation of the concept (rather than your particular situation)?

"Thank you for your comment. I wish more people would honor those who give and gave their lives for the peace we both enjoy right here, right now. Isn't it great that we can enjoy this place with our families while others stand watch..."

Something that reminds people about the importance of service and the bigger cause. There is a teaching opportunity in every conversation.

 

[Graham]

There is a teaching opportunity in every conversation.

It depends on the audience.

 

[siscoe308]

depends on your willingness to teach...thanks for breathing

 

[Graham]

Replies to "Thank you for your service."

depends on your willingness to teach...thanks for breathing

The willingness of a teacher is not an educational standard.

 

[siscoe308]

Indeed. why try?

 

[Graham]

What's the meaning of someone saying thanks when he doesn't even understand what he's thanking you for?

That's just another definition of bullshit.

 

[siscoe308]

Agreed, tell that insincere bastard to get bent! What does he/she know of your sacrifice? NOTHING!!!

 

[alpine44]

depends on your willingness to teach...thanks for breathing

You'r welcome.

Since fulfilling the draft requirements of a NATO ally, I have learned to breathe hypoxic Trimix and very little of it. Even breathing without involving the body recovery team is not as easy as it sounds, depending on where you venture. (End of teaching opportunity)

 

[alpine44]

Agreed, tell that insincere bastard to get bent! What does he/she know of your sacrifice? NOTHING!!!

How can he know if he/she did not walk in your boots?

How can he/she imagine if nobody tells him?

 

[Graham]

Replies to "Thank you for your service."

Agreed, tell that insincere bastard to get bent! What does he/she know of your sacrifice? NOTHING!!!

Missed the point: His thanks isn't about you; it's about him.

There's no teaching opportunity when the other isn't listening.

 

[siscoe308]

How about they read a damn history book, or better yet join the French legion and request combat duty only then will their empty thanks have meaning! Then they will really meant it....and ill will be able to tell

 

[alpine44]

What I am trying to encourage goes beyond the TYFYS issue.

Every time we hear what we think is an inappropriate/insincere comments, we can either get p!ssed, or we can clarify things in a respectful manner.

Guess what is better for your soul and for getting along with your surroundings.

When people told me "I am sorry for your loss" after the death of my father, I did not bark at them "You do not know jack about how I feel" but reminded them what my father stood for. They in turn contributed stories and insight that enriched my life and made my loss more bearable. Win-win instead of Loose-Loose.

If you feel that people do not understand or appreciate your sacrifice, then who is going to make them appreciate this? There is a lot of middle ground between self-aggrandizement and being butt-hurt about other's lack of honest applause.

 

[siscoe308]

Until such time their patronizing thanks will be met with glares, rude comments and maybe my war face

 

[Graham]

Replies to "Thank you for your service."

Until such time their patronizing thanks will be met with glares, rude comments and maybe my war face

I prefer to try to make them think.

'Problem is, people resent few things more than having to think instead of speak.

 

[siscoe308]

Graham, that long suffering attitude and acceptance will not show the public what the vets have given them. Best to be rude, just blurt out whatever comes to mind

 

[Graham]

Replies to "Thank you for your service."

Siscoe, don't dismiss it out of hand. While that might keep the idiots away, it could also lead to rewarding conversations of substance with people who are being genuine. Don't ask me how I know.

 

[siscoe308]

It just gets under my skin when my bullshit detector goes off, makes me want to tell that 8 yr old jerk to take a long walk off a short pier

 

[siscoe308]

Reminds me of today, I mowed the lawn and my gf had the balls to flippantly say thanks. Last week she meant it, but this week i sensed her heart wasn't in it. I blew up! Now I have tons of time to vent on SH. Win for the good guys!

 

[Graham]

Replies to "Thank you for your service."

Reminds me of today, I mowed the lawn and my gf had the balls to flippantly say thanks. Last week she meant it, but this week i sensed her heart wasn't in it. I blew up! Now I have tons of time to vent on SH. Win for the good guys!

Siscoe, you're trolling.... Unsuccessfully, but I suppose you might as well learn from the big boys.

 

[fdkay]

I usually reply, "It was my pleasure", because it was. I loved serving my country for 24 years.

 

[fdkay]

Reminds me of today, I mowed the lawn and my gf had the balls to flippantly say thanks. Last week she meant it, but this week i sensed her heart wasn't in it. I blew up! Now I have tons of time to vent on SH. Win for the good guys!

I like to watch when a girl mows her lawn

 

[alpine44]

Siscoe, you're trolling.... Unsuccessfully, but I suppose you might as well learn from the big boys.

Agree, my troll meter is also pegged in the red after reading Sicoe's earlier (and more mature) remarks.

 

[siscoe308]

Lol guilty...what a horrible indefensible position some (myself now included) have taken

 

[Graham]

Replies to "Thank you for your service."

Who else? And how is their position indefensible?

Or are you still trolling?

 

[alpine44]

Just remembered a saying that helps me dealing with a lot of WTF? events/comments:

"Never ascribe to malice what can be attributed to incompetence"