Does it bother you to hear "Thank you for your service!"?

As a 12 year Vietnam Era veteran, in many ways, I have been humbled that people have approached me, when I least expect it, and thank me for my service. As I see it, they are not only thanking me, they are mostly thanking many of our brothers and sisters who have made an even heavier sacrifice, and for that, ((I)) am thankful, because they are recognizing what we, as service men and women have been willing to do in protection of our country and way of life.
So, to those who have served, with me, and those who serve today and into the future, Thank You, for carrying on in defense of our nation and our way of life.

Really?! All the problems we have and this bothers you. You know there are allot of people who wanted to but were not able to serve, some folks might actually have a son, brother, sister, daughter, etc over seas right now. Or they might just be a fellow patriot and feel the need to shake a veterans hand and give respect where they feel it's due. Your tour might be up but that oath has no expiration date. III%

No. Even though I wasn't in long, I will not turn down gratitude that is genuinely being expressed. I just take it as being given to my brothers/sisters that have done more than I have.

I feel it needs to be expressed more. I volunteer w/ the Mid-Missouri Honor Flight for war vets as a member of the flag line (we salute the members of our branches when they are announced). We have so few WWII vets left that we are now seeing a majority of Korean & Vietnam vets. This service is a welcome home that they never received, ESPECIALLY the Vietnam vets. So many of them get off that bus crying in appreciation. All those years of resentment get released. It is awesome & awe-inspiring.

I agree with SFC McMillion, some recognition is far better than what we received 35-40 years ago.. Today, any acknowledgement, other than denials, neglect, and abuse is appreciated..

As a "Cold Warrior", and a few other excursions during my career, sometimes it does. Especially when I am in the company of both of my sons...one an Army vet and the other a SFC still on active duty an OIF II participant. I feel though while I proudly served my country, perhaps I could have done more...although what, I'm not exactly sure. Make any sense?

It doesn't bother me at all. It seems to make the individual happy to give thanks. Too easy then.

I think I'll be the minority here but the term "Thank you for your service"(unless coming from a vet) is the new PC thing to do. I honestly think they say it because that is want they think they are supposed to do, rather than they are genuinely thankful for your service. I am happy that the older generations of Service Members are get more recognition.

Maybe its me, but I do find it hard to identify as a vet, none-the-less one that needs to be thanked even after two deployments and 9+ years of service.

I cant say it bothers me it bothers me. I think embarrasses me is a better term. I served because it was an obligation, my duty. Just like my father and his father and my great grandfather before him. My only child my daughter served as well. There is Honor in that, personal honor. I understand that some are truely grateful so they express it. If I wanted thanks i would be in Downtowm Los Angeles spit shining shoes for half price.

It does to me for the simple fact that I did nothing but my job, my usual comment is " Thank the ones who didnt come home and left loved ones behind, they paid the ultimate price".

I feel the same. I don't like it at all. I'm no hero, just a soldier (was). And to me that all got started by politics. As far as I can remember, The only soldiers who weren't thanked, were Vietnam era veterans. So, if Americans can't appreciate us all, please don't thank ME. JMO