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

It does not bother me because I've never heard it. But I signed that check 39 years ago and my oath of enlistment has never expired.

ya i have never caught one break for the time i spent in the gulf of oman

I just used to say "thank you for your support" and carry on with my day.

Although this message is decades late in telling service members, I do appreciate hearing it from those that are sincere about the phrase. The problem I have with it is it seems that people say it because it is the "politically correct" response. When I go on post for any reason I hear it from the gate guard, but the way it is said and the look on their faces tell me they really don't care if I served. If it isn't how you feel don't say it. Yes, I served. Yes, I am proud of my time I spent serving. Don't tell me "Thank you for your service" and look at me like I don't exist.

No, it doesn't bother me. It shows a sign of respect for my service. Better then I received in 1968.

Here's the thing.. When someone thanks me, I think of all the Widows and families who gave up a mother or father / Son or daughter. Quite honestly a veteran who dies has a lesser price to pay than a family who has to go on without them, living years missing them.

This might not be a popular response, but it is one that I think about every time I am thanked, and depending on the situation, and thank them back and share those thoughts with the person who thanked me.

So I am officially thanking all the families of service members for their sacrifices. An encourage all my brothers and sisters to do the same if they have the chance.

yes It does but the problem with me is it's not so much the thank you for your service it's do they genuinely mean it because to me a lot of people say it but they really don't care

NO! Because we had a generation that previous to mine was maligned by these same folks I am always grateful and humble to get it. I in turn thank every veteran I see and make it a point to say something encouraging to them. By the way....THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE SERVICEMAN! God Bless you and your family!

I live in a small west Texas town and I get thanked for service every so often. Does not bother me as it is meant as saying thanks. Have never felt I was being asked to get out of the way.

SPC Buck,

Up until 9/11 one did not hear “thank you for your service” very often. For those veterans of my day or earlier we rarely heard it if at all. So to answer your question straight up: No, it does not bother me in the least to hear it or thank those that have come after.

My only exception is what you hear on the TV every time a service member or veteran is being interviewed. Seems they are being told “thank you for your service” as if being required to say it or they will get their hands slapped. Too often the thanks being said just seem very hollow. If you do not mean it don’t say it.