Posted on Aug 19, 2014
Should people stop thanking Veterans for their service?
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Service
Thank You
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 30
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As a Vietnam vet, I do not appreciate it. It is meaningless, an empty gesture. Not do I accept military discounts. But I am polite, not scornful.
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No, unless they're disrupting their lives like walking up to them while having dinner.
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Mixed feelings on this. Yes the Vets should be thanked, especially those in harms way. However, too many get thanked who haven't really done anything to be thanked for except wear the uniform. I'm okay with this up to a point, the civilians are thanking the 'representative' military member in front of them for all the Vets. The thing that bothers me, it seems to foster in some Vets minds that they are somehow 'special out there' once they transition to civilian life. Nope. Civilians don't owe us anything except our benefits we deserve, and they pay for, with their tax dollars. I've coached Vets transitioning that seem to think, subconsciously at least, that they are owed a job. I thought this was an anamoly the first time I experienced it from a transitioning Vet, but I've run into this mindset on a number of occasions coaching my brethren. It causes me to have to coach them back to reality, 'the civilians don't owe you a damn thing. The thanks should be taken as just what they are, attempts on the civilians part to show us gratitude; nothing more, nothing less.
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In this area they pretty well have quit. I has been months since I have had anyone do that. Probably only a couple of times in the last year. Actually I am glad that they quit. It did make me feel a little uncomfortable.
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No, SSG Robert Burns, t is their right and they should be able to express themselves.
I believe that Society is much more informed due to technology and therefore people realize that we are just doing a Service to our Country.
Some may also be trying to make amends in the wake of events from the Vietnam War and the treatment those Soldiers received.
I believe that Society is much more informed due to technology and therefore people realize that we are just doing a Service to our Country.
Some may also be trying to make amends in the wake of events from the Vietnam War and the treatment those Soldiers received.
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Yes.
http://www.theatlantic.com/national/archive/2013/11/help-veterans-by-taking-them-off-the-pedestal/281316/
"For many civilians, veterans are thought about in the span of football halftime shows, where we gawk at troops standing on the sidelines while the camera lingers on flags flapping in the wind. The word hero is tossed around and abused to the point of banality. The good intentions of civilians are rarely in question, but detached admiration has always been a stand-in for the impulse to do “something” for veterans."
Don't say thank you...do something to help. Just saying "thank you for your service" only helps to widen the gap between the military and civilians. They see us as "other", as something they could not be, doing things they could not do...so they build a distorted view of all veterans that only serves to hurt the military when it comes time to make policy decisions.
http://www.theatlantic.com/national/archive/2013/11/help-veterans-by-taking-them-off-the-pedestal/281316/
"For many civilians, veterans are thought about in the span of football halftime shows, where we gawk at troops standing on the sidelines while the camera lingers on flags flapping in the wind. The word hero is tossed around and abused to the point of banality. The good intentions of civilians are rarely in question, but detached admiration has always been a stand-in for the impulse to do “something” for veterans."
Don't say thank you...do something to help. Just saying "thank you for your service" only helps to widen the gap between the military and civilians. They see us as "other", as something they could not be, doing things they could not do...so they build a distorted view of all veterans that only serves to hurt the military when it comes time to make policy decisions.
Help Veterans by Taking Them Off the Pedestal
A former infantryman in Iraq reflects on how the culture of military service has changed since World War II. Unhelpful attitudes from civilians and veterans alike, he says, are making it difficult for today's servicemen to transition back to post-deployment life.
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No. I think thanking veterans may be hollow in comparison to the true gratitude that used to be given, but it still is showing acknowledgment of service, even if the person doing the thanking doesn't fully comprehend the sacrifices we endure.
I'd ask those who want the handshakes and "thank yous" to stop, why not just ask to eliminate the awards system too? Who needs to be acknowledged for a job well done, right? Who should be acknowledged for going above and beyond? For bravery and valor? For accomplishments? It's all about showing appreciation... And it's a good thing.
Telling people to stop thanking service members is like telling people to stop thanking each other for every acts of courtesy. It shows appreciation, no matter how small.
Besides... Eventually, many would start standing on the soap boxes declaring the nation has "forgotten" and that we were no longer acknowledged for our contributions. No matter what, there will always be those who are never satisfied... Even with gratitude.
I'd ask those who want the handshakes and "thank yous" to stop, why not just ask to eliminate the awards system too? Who needs to be acknowledged for a job well done, right? Who should be acknowledged for going above and beyond? For bravery and valor? For accomplishments? It's all about showing appreciation... And it's a good thing.
Telling people to stop thanking service members is like telling people to stop thanking each other for every acts of courtesy. It shows appreciation, no matter how small.
Besides... Eventually, many would start standing on the soap boxes declaring the nation has "forgotten" and that we were no longer acknowledged for our contributions. No matter what, there will always be those who are never satisfied... Even with gratitude.
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CPT (Join to see)
You would be guessing wrong. I have. That article was posted a few days ago in my Facebook page. To clarify, my response also included my attitude towards another article that ended up on Facebook, similar to this one in content but far more cynical. I get that personalizing a thank you may show a more heartfelt sentiment, but for me, a simple thank you and the acknowledgment of my service works for me. I don't need to know that you are glad that spin class was the hardest part of your day. I am satisfied to know that you are thanking me in general. Asking people to make it personal, otherwise it means less isn't at all the shared mentality by many in the service.
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Lt Col (Join to see)
The difference is, people who are giving out the awards and medals have a pretty good idea of what you have done to earn them.
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I've been thanked, I don't know how many times. Like others have alluded, it always feels a little awkward. More so if you're at a ball game or something and they ask all the vets to stand and be thanked. Like others, I say "proud to do it" and change the subject or move on. I guess a lot of us just have the "silent professional" mindset.
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