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

I retired in Aug 2002 with 24 years of service and like to hear that. Larry, that is one way to interpret the comment, but I lean toward it being a solemn thank you. When someone says to me "Thank you for your service" I proudly tell them thank you and that I am still serving. Just my two cents, my oath of enlistment never expires.

It does not bother me. Instead, it humbles me because I know there are grateful people out there and I know some of my comrades gave much more. Sometimes, we live in a country of extremes. We don't see everyone and when looking at the news or media, you can get a negative attitude if you allow it, but when someone takes the time to just shake your hand and say thank you, that small gesture is displaying a gratitude that is more than likely the heart and soul of our country; the people who are grateful.

It used to, but no longer. I have come to the realization that people just want to express their gratitude. As a representative of the Armed Services Community, it fosters more goodwill to reply with a polite "You're Welcome" than to let it irritate you. If You're Welcome isn't your style, reply in kind with a "I am grateful I had the opportunity". It's sort of a small compliment back towards the person. If that is still out of your comfort zone, then "Best job I ever had" will do.

Not a waste of time, brother. It makes me feel uneasy at times at work when we have a veterans day and memorial day ceremony, which is nice of them to set aside work time for, but odd that they don't know the difference between the two holidays. I haven't reached or earned memorial day honors.

No, but I often find it difficult to respond. What do you say to someone who thanks you? I often find myself saying, "Thank you for your support."

Absolutely! It's always gratifying and humbling to be thanked for my years of service to the Nation!

When I go to the VA and this is said to me, I can appreciate it and understand. However, when someone on the street says it to me and it is clear that this person has never served, it drives me nuts. I think to myself, "If that is the way you feel about us, why didn't (haven't) you served?"

On the otherhand it is nice to get the acknowlegement and is better than nothing when someone does know that you are a veteran.

I respond "I was glad for the chance and I would do it again".

I used to feel uncomfortable, and wished they wouldn't. I also didn't feel like I did anything that special. I agreed to serve my country. Once enlisted it became my only job, something I agreed to do, to the best of my ability no matter what. But most people had a job. It took me years to see that my commitment, dedication, and training is totally different from most in the civilian sector. People take two sick days a month because they see it as a benefit... Leave when their time is up, not the job is done.... What is that?
I'm shocked at the continuous lack of leadership and lack of respect for leadership that I see. I now feel blessed to have served and realize I was a part of something amazing with incredible people. I was Injured and would give anything to have my body back. At a glance no one can tell that I'm not capable of many things I assumed I'd be doing for 40 more years. I realize when they honor my service they are recognizing that they do not understand what I just said in a way that all of you do. I thank you for the years you served in our military. I am sure you have plenty more to offer this fine county because your military service says magnitudes about who you were and are.

i understand that the military has come a long way up in the public's opinion and i appreciate the thanks i get, but it also makes me feel a little awkward as i don't know how to respond with anything other than a "you're welcome"