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

Being a Vietnam vet, when someone really thank me for my service, I did know how to accept it, I though of Iraqi War veterans, Afganistan veterans, Lebanon veterans, but no Vietnam veteran were included in this, it seemed like outsiders looking in, no one thanked you for your service. During that time Americans avoided us, and thought the war had made us crazy baby killers, jobs would not hire you if they though you were having flashbacks from the war. We were never included, as baby killers they called it. A lot of Vietnam Veterans are dead or dying from agent orange or other diseases, I believe that the VAMC are glad, no benefits to be paid out, if you can't prove your case. So younger Veterans enjoy what you can get out of the government, because one day you will be us.

I rarely hear it from someone who has never served. Which is fine with me. I prefer to hang out with my vet brothers. Regardless of which branch you were in, you stepped up, when others didn't.

It is better than getting egged in 1972 as we exited the greyhound bus station in down town Los Angeles.

No it is nice , it makes me think off all the members who went before me.

it much better than being called baby kill. or being spate on.

When I hear this, which is surprisingly often, I typically respond with "Thank you for your acknowledgement".

I usually think to myself, "I was just doing my job." I used to feel uncomfortable when someone thanked me for my service. But, I heard this phrase... and I've found myself using it more often: "I did it for you." It's a nice way to reciprocate the kind gesture... and remind all in the conversation "why" we all have served.

No, not at all. I spent 20 years before I heard that, besides family, & I'm only 47, but I went in the Army during post Vietnam. There's also a lot more discounts, etc. The time that bothers me when it's said is from a Veteran or Active Duty member. I feel as though we don't need to say it.

It beats hippies asking how many babies I killed. We have gone through many changes as to how the civilian population regard folks that wear the uniform.

This saying was started as a public service to teach civilians how to speak to those of us in uniform. Its not what civilians say as much as how they say it. If the greeting is meant we appreciate it for what it is. Respect for the uniform.

Having attended the Desert Storm War Games, Nam Games of 65-67', Urgent Fury...all doing my part...NO PROBLEM. I returned from the Nam Games to lines of protesters June 67' and discharge. I absolutely Thank the Desert Storm troops, but this was your game, ours has been long over........on paper. The "Thank You" for your service is great, although I do get a strange feeling when it happens. It normally is from a younger service member, or civilians......and I doubt if I ever get use to it

Not at all. Most of the time I heard it was when I was still in uniform, so they clearly weren't saying I was done or feeble. Especially since they were occasionally surprised that I was even old enough to be in the military, because I look young for my age.