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

I say thank you or your welcome.Not annoyed. It shows people in California or even Canada still care!

By CSM William Payne less than a minute ago:

I feel this is a generational issue.

For our Brothers and Sisters in Arms are having such a big problem with this, I joined the Army in 1973 and my brother served in the Marines in the 60s and did two tours in 'Nam. So I have seen both sides of the spectrum on this and let me tell you I really prefer today's reaction. Would you rather people line up to protest you, call you names like baby killers and / or do worse like spit on you like they did to returning service members from Vietnam?

When we were able to travel in ACUs, the "thank you" on the airplane usually led to dialog as to what you do in the service and allowed one to help bridge that gap of knowledge between the military and civilians. No Soldier I know will travel in ASUs, because if they are not needed for your trip it's just extra clothes to carry and if they are needed at your destination you don't want to get your uniform messed up, especially your shoes during the course of travel. So what this does is just further seperate the military experience from the flying public.

The Profession of Arms is a noble and respected occupation and being able to articulate the pride in what you do helps to keep it in that regard. I especially enjoyed it when some boy or girl walked up to me and offered their little hand while thanking me for my service.

By the way, anytime I see somebody with a service hat on, Retired, World War II, Korean, Vietnam, Desert Storm or whatever, I will make an effort to go over and thank them for their service to their country. I have had many of great conversations with a Veteran in a McDonalds that I could tell by their conversation and the look on their face how glad they are that somebody appreciates the sacrifices they made for their county.

I know for those of you that have grown up in the smart phone / texting generation may not feel comfortable about having a face to face conversation with somebody you don't know and that is one of the reasons you don't want them approaching you in the first place.

The fact that so many young people today grow up playing video games, e-mailing, texting and not having to develop interpersonal skills is one of the factors of why we have so many Soldiers feeling isolated and attempting or succeeding in commiting suicide. That we have so many Soldiers that feel alone and isolated on a military installation with thousands of like minded peers speaks volumes.

So I personally have no issue with this. My reply has been for the longest time; "Thank you, it has been an honor and a priviledge to serve my country".
Edit

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.

I simply respond that it was my honor to serve.