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

First of all , thank you for serving. I took an oath to defend this great country against all enemies, foreign and domestic. I've never been relieved of those duties or oath.

It has been my experience that the medical staff at the V.A. I go to say this as if it was part of a drill. It is said with no meaning while not even looking at you as if it was part of a ritual they are told to perform. It is there, of all places, that I do hear this the most and it surely annoys me. The ones at the V.A. that do seem to mean what they say have been mostly from the receptionist. Needles to say I have set a few young doctors straight. Outside of the V.A. all have said it with sincerity.

I don't like how it's being politicize (we support the troops, thank you for your service, etc...) and seeking to divide us. When it comes from that place it bothers me, because we all are Americans and country should come first!

I really don't mind it, but i think telling someone "Thank you for your sacrifice" is much better.

It took me some time but I do like hearing it and just reply with anytime. If I have to I would try to do it again.

Personally it makes me feel good. But at the same time I feel bittersweet because Vietnam vets before me never got that kind of treatment. I owe it to them and there selfless sacrifice to endure such hate and treatment that paved the way for the treatment I and many like me receive today. And for that I salute them and say thank u for ur service and selfless sacrifice.

I am pleased to hear this statement, and for quite some time, I did not have a reply that seemed to fit. My response now is " Thank you it was my honor to serve"

To hear "Thank you for your service." Doesn't bother me a bit and you shouldn't let it bother you either. They are simply appreciating you for what you did or are doing. It doesn't mean you have to go curl up and wither away. That just means go out and do something else that could be of good service to the community. Show them your pride in what you have done and make others want to take that next step and follow in your footsteps. Many young men and women I have known all throughout their high school years, that were getting into trouble, have went into the military and have come home on leave and wanted to see me to express how much they appreciate the fact that I never gave up on them. Thank you is always a great expression of appreciation.

Doesn't bother me at all. I retired after 27 years. If you are still on active duty consider it in present tense like, thanks for your continued service.

I'm one that it affects. I went to a Alabama(the group) concert, on their fair well tour, shortly after getting back from Iraq. When they said it I started crying uncontrollably and had to go outside. It's 12 years later and I still feel odd and don't know how to respond.