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

I wouldn't say that it bothers me when some random person thanks me for my service. But it is always awkward because I don't know what to say back. So I usually just say thanks and go somewhere else.

If it is said in a genuine manner, no. But sometimes it feels more like an automatic response. When I see an active duty member in uniform I say nothing, I offer my hand, look them in the eye and nod. Unspoken, you know when it's real.

It's very weird hearing it I did my duty because it's what I signed up for not to be thanked I did it for my brothers to the right and left of me not recognition

I appreciate the kindness and take it in the spirit that speaker appreciates and maybe even acknowledges the contributions we have made to country. Hollow or well meant, I don't judge them. I do feel a little awkward as I was doing what I believed I should do. I've mostly responded with a nod and smile while shaking their hand.

I'm reminded of t-shirt that I saw recently. It said: "It's not that I could and others couldn't, it's that I did and others didn't." Now I've been in social gatherings where the people I was with were PROUD that they weren't "dumb enough" or "stupid enough" to volunteer for service, which really irks me. Then they find out that I served and their whole demeanor changes. Then I hear the "Thank you for your service" comments. So, no, it doesn't bother me when people volunteer their thanks, it is welcomed actually, but if people say it out of embarrassment or some sort of "fear" that I might kick their ass because of what they said, then yeah....it bothers me. So really, it's all in the context of the statement that determines if it's offensive or not.
And for those who are PROUD for not volunteering to "fight and die for their country", I offer George Patton's appropriate response: "Nobody EVER won a war by fighting and dying for their country, although it does happen. They won it by making the other poor dumb bastard fight and die for HIS country." And then I tell them "....and that's what the American Military does." It normally garners looks of astonishment, or stunned silence. But at least I no longer have to hear how they were smart enough to stay out of the military.

Does not bother me at all, I am just glad there are people out there (and the numbers seem to be growing) that truly DO support those that have served, and that are currently serving. I have been out for almost 16 years, and most of the people that thank me are also vets, and can have some pretty good conversations with them. Sometimes it's in odd places and I'm not wearing anything that screams vet (maybe grunt style shirts), but always try to be respectful, because they are respecting US.

It does not bother me to hear someone that as never served to say it. But it makes me feel like cramp to hear it from another Vet to say it especially the Vietnam Korea and WWII vets. The way I see it we (the Iraq and Afghan Vets) should be telling the prior vets. they had it much worst than we did. Thank-you all

I appreciate someone taking the time to thank me. I always respond that it was my honor to serve. I do have fun with the ones that notice my PH license plates and ask how I got them. I like telling them they are my wife’s.

Remember, these days it's a tiny percentage who have served. The military is now mainly a family business. The same relative handful of families send their children in generation after generation. Thanking troops in uniform has become an important way to recognize sacrifices one didn't have to make.

During the 70's it was hatred and being spit on. Now we are recognizing the troops. But it can't be with hollow platitudes. It needs to mean something. I was very proud of my uniform and my accomplishments but I was villified! That must not happen and anyone who gives their service deserves more than recognition!