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

At first, when I was a mere ROTC cadet and I was in uniform (and civilians didn't know the difference), I felt like I had to apologize, because I hadn't really served. But after a few years, I realized that "thank you for your service" was not about me. It was about me representing every other person wearing that uniform. This whole situation took on an entirely different character from then on. I graciously accept that small gesture now (and now I'm actually in, though I'm still fairly new around here) because I see it as a "thank you" to everyone in uniform.

It's not about how YOU feel. It's about how the sender feels. They feel like they are being proactive and THEY ARE. As uncomfortable as I feel, I try to keep that attitude alive in the public by responding professionally and courteously and not be an a__hole who questions their greeting. When I am in uniform and I am told "Thank you for your service" I say "It is my Honor",shake his or her hand if it is offered, and move on. Out of uniform, same thing. The majority of the public means what they say. Most don't know what else to say.

It doesn't bother me a bit. It's a sign of respect and appreciation for selfless service and sacrifice for our country. I tell it to current and former service members often and appreciate it when it's said to me. I'd say lighten up and be respectful to those that appreciate your service!

Nope - considering that during my service there were signs up in Norwalk, Virginia saying "Sailors and Dogs keep off the grass". We got the shaft while on duty and I think it is great that finally being thanked for my 9 years.

I'd rather they bought me a beer!

No it doesn't bother me but I always think it took long enough. Vietnam vets set the standard that happens today. We were crapped on and treated like criminals. I, personally went into my hole and didn't come out of it until after I finally went to the VA. I was a combat vet and saw too many things a 20 year old shouldn't see. I tried joining the VFW and the DAV and the American Legion but was turned down because they didn't consider Vietnam a war. So, I never joined and never have had anything to do with them. The VA awarded me 100% disability but I'm still in a hole. When someone thanks me, I think why couldn't that have been done when I came home from Vietnam.

I thank everyone in uniform, and everyone who wears a hat stating when/where they served, and say "Welcome Home" to every Vietnam vet I see. Sometimes the reactions bring tears. Tears are painful memories leaving the soul.

No. I like it. Once in, Never Out.

As a Viet Nam vet I was reviled for my service by many for a number of years. So I find it encouraging when I am now thanked. I also make sure to pay it forward whenever I meet an active duty brother or veteran.

It bothered me for a while because I did not know how to respond. To thank them back seemed wrong, just odd. But I did appreciate the fact that they were acknowledging my service and defense of their freedom and way of life.
Now I say " I appreciate that" ,smile and shake their hand if offered. It seems to make them happy and satisfies my need to acknowledge them in turn.