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

No it does not bother me. The majority of people I know who say "Thank you for your service." mean it. They are truly grateful for the servicemen and women who have written that "blank check" and served their country. I do get embarrassed but I get embarrassed when anyone gives me thanks or praise for what I consider doing my job/duty.

I try to acknowledge every service person I see and we usually ask each other what we did during our service time and where we served. I appreciate the recognition for my service.

I admit that it used to be awkward when I started hearing it. Don't be bothered, be proud!

Be a professional, look at the person in the eye and simply state "Thanks for your support, it is a pleasure and an honor to serve!".

For me 90% of the time, the folks who thank you are genuine, and want to share a story of a loved one, or a friend who is currently serving, or already served.

I personally appreciate the thank you. No one owes me anything for my service but, it makes me feel good to know that someone cares for your sacrifices to our country and our way of life. Doesn´t bother me at all.

I find that being thanked is a great feeling. If you think the intent is "Thanks, now got sit in a corner and don't bother anyone", if that is your feeling then you need a serious attitude adjustment! Just a few years ago we were spat at and called baby killers. Most Americans today have a small understanding of what we do or did for them. If your not humbled by this show of support then you think a little too much of yourself and that is not the military standard. Respond with "Thank you Sir or Mam", it's that simple. they took time out to recognize your willingness to serve, you should take time out to thank them! Some of these responses are from some seriously ungrateful and cynical soldiers!

SFC Eugene Helstrom
Retired

Yes, I know people mean well, but I'd rather do without any public thanks.
What really goat my goat, however, was folks making themselves feel good by telling me, "welcome home" twenty-five years too late.

I appreciate it when folks recognize my service it took way to long to hear that. I tell them that it was a honor to serve my country and my Marine Corps as I still do today. We can't stop the years gone by, but we can walk with pride honor and commitment.
Semper Fi my brothers.

It doesn't bother me. Many people, don't know how to appreciate someone who served in the military. Few understand the hardship endured by married military personnel; especially those with children. The pay is low and the separations are many and lengthly. I served during a period of relative peace 1962 - 1968 and was not deployed to Vietnam. I consider myself fortunate. Military service was a period of growth and maturity for most of us. I'm sincere when I say thank you for your service to those who are combat veterans, but in all honesty, it should be extended to anyone who served. I have a great deal of empathy for parents who lost a son or daughter in combat, ditto the wounded warrior dealing with loss of limb(s) and the emotional struggles of PTSD. We don't do enough for our vets who sacrificed so we can get up in the morning and drive to Starbucks w/o wondering if someone will shoot or kidnap us. Yes, thank you for your service.

As a 12 year Vietnam Era veteran, in many ways, I have been humbled that people have approached me, when I least expect it, and thank me for my service. As I see it, they are not only thanking me, they are mostly thanking many of our brothers and sisters who have made an even heavier sacrifice, and for that, ((I)) am thankful, because they are recognizing what we, as service men and women have been willing to do in protection of our country and way of life.
So, to those who have served, with me, and those who serve today and into the future, Thank You, for carrying on in defense of our nation and our way of life.

Really?! All the problems we have and this bothers you. You know there are allot of people who wanted to but were not able to serve, some folks might actually have a son, brother, sister, daughter, etc over seas right now. Or they might just be a fellow patriot and feel the need to shake a veterans hand and give respect where they feel it's due. Your tour might be up but that oath has no expiration date. III%