Posted on Jun 24, 2015
SSG Izzy Abbass
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I've heard this many times and now I'm at the point where it seems like it's being said because it's the right thing to say. I feel like its lost meaning and some of it is due to a trait we all share as Vets - we were a team and getting personal recognition is not the most comfortable. Also, this is something our Vietnam Vets never heard which I know people are trying to make up for. Personally, I say "Welcome Home" to them. Curious to hear what you all think. What would you like to hear and should I acknowledge this as something that allows those who didn't serve a chance to say something positive?
Posted in these groups: Military civilian 600x338 Transition577963 465023533533674 1675317474 n Service
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Responses: 40
SrA Realty Specialist
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Not especially. I do get tired of it in some capacity. I only served my four years and got out. Yes, I might be trying to get the education to return with a commission, but the fact is I don't feel I have anything to be thanked for. I signed the contract just as everyone else did. That's about it. On the on the other hand it's acceptable to me because I've realized that it's just a polite thing to say. People are not neccessarily thanking you for your service all the time. As a civilian EMT I say it to my patients when I know they're military because it makes them feel better. Sometimes it even goes farther and works as a placebo - so many of them get caught up telling stories that their pain or problem temporarily goes away because they're so distracted. So I see it as a polite and respectful thing to say much more than anything else - so I'm not terribly bothered by it.
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SrA Shannon Tatkenhorst
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nope. have not heard it enough yet.
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Sgt Cody Dumont
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I think it depends on the tone, I have been takes many time by other service members or poeple honestly showing gratitude. But sometimes it is said in a smug manner from a person who just makes your skin crawl. I was in Baltimore and I walked to every cop I saw ( only 2) and thanked them. I hope they knew it is heart felt gratitude.
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SSG Stephen Arnold
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Why would I tire of something that is " the right thing to say?"
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SPC Margaret Higgins
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Well, I feel like it is an old and jaded saying; however, I still feel like it's an honor and a pleasure- so I say so.
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MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca
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Not in the least.
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SN Earl Robinson
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Ask the Vietnam Veterans that question!
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LTC Stephen F.
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Well SSG Izzy Abbass, I appreciate it when someone who knows me says thank you for you service. Those I served with know I served while most people don't.
Since I have been growing ponytails and donating them to Locks of Love to make wigs for cancer patients many people don't think of me as a veteran.
I do stand at attention when the US National Anthem plays and salute when the flag passes by or somebody else salutes me. I even return proper salutes when somebody isn't serious and remind people whenever it seems appropriate that saluting is a sign of mutual respect of subordinate initiating the salute and the superior who returns it.
One thing I always notice is how senior leaders especially the President of the USA returns a salute or ignores it.
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SMSgt Bob W.
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According to a poll commissioned by the Cohen Veterans Network, 49% of veterans don't actually like to be thanked.

Me, it is a hollow greeting, such as, how are you? Nobody really cares.
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SGT Kenny Young
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Welcome home is always the correct greeting for Vietnam veterans
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LTC Lee Bouchard
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Edited 6 y ago
Very good question. No one said to me anything of the kind for almost 35 years. The first time someone said those words to me I almost got mad remembering what many of us came home to from V.N. Those words are too little and too late to have any meaning to me personally even today. I don't hear the sincerity intended. Just another "Good Morning" style greeting.

However, when those words do resonate is when they come from another vet. regardless of their branch of service or years served. What really makes a difference is when we shake hands and hug one another. Only then do I feel welcomed home.

Maybe shake hands more and just say Thank you. The service part will be understood.
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