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

It did bother me at one time. I know that I served but I never went in harms way, never got shot at, never watched my comrades die in battle or end up maimed for life. I always thought that "Thank You For Your Service" should be reserved for those who went through those things.

Then I realized that the average citizen can't tell who you are necessarily by what you wear and with the way the current wars were fought a lot of people who normally would never go in harms way volunteered for augment assignments in combat zones. People appreciate military service and honestly I now appreciate being thanked for my service.

You Rock!

Just wondering I know this topic is selfish and over the bounds of good taste, but how many down votes did it get out of 755 votes? Thats awesome to see that even tho the discussion Is horrid to you the voter it bares, notice that it is viewed by you thru your comments a validation of sorts that no questions are bad till not asked... How's that strike ya???

It does not bother me to hear it. I feel good to hear people actually acknowledge you for putting in all those hrs to keep this country strong and free.

I say thanks tso everyone. Veterans, currently serving, police, fire and rescue. I thank them all.

The best part is shaking the hands of a WWII veteran

It doesn't bother me, but it is disconcerting. Don't get me wrong, it's appreciated.

I don't have a real response for it. It's hard to say "You're welcome" to it because we all joined for our own reasons. Responding with a "Thank you for the support" is probably the best answer I've heard, but the entire custom still makes me uneasy. Just because I don't expect thanks or any kind of gratitude.

It makes me a little uncomfortable, but I get that way when anybody gushes about me personally. I'm not a touchie, feelie individual.

I am active but both my mother and father served before me and my grandfather before them. I am currently the 6th generation to serve this Country and I am honored to do so when people thank me for my service I tell them thank you in return for the gesture. I don't do what i do for the money I do it because it is what needs to be done to protect my family and when my time comes and I am finished with my service I will walk away proud of what I have done. I always thank those brave men and women who sacrifice so much for the greater good of the Nation even when the population might not have agreed with the circumstances. I feel that we should be humble when we are given thanks, be proud of your service and show others what it means to serve with pride.

In a sense, it feels about as weird as it would if someone thanked me for doing my civilian job.

"Thank You For Your Service" sounds like something the corporate public relations managers tell their employees to say to soldiers/vets, etc. I usually respond with: "You don't have to thank me. I volunteered and was paid." Most people mean well when they utter the phrase so I don't get upset about it.