Posted on Nov 12, 2023
How do you respond when someone says "Thank you for your service"?
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I've never asked this question, and I've never seen anyone else ask it, but I'm curious. What do you say when someone thanks you for your service?
My Military ID is right next to my driver's license and debit card in my wallet, so it's visible if I have to show my driver's license for something or if I'm taking my debit card out to use. Very often, someone who sees it will ask what branch I was in. Then they will thank me for my service. My usual answer is "Thank you for your support." But I'm curious about how others respond to that.
My Military ID is right next to my driver's license and debit card in my wallet, so it's visible if I have to show my driver's license for something or if I'm taking my debit card out to use. Very often, someone who sees it will ask what branch I was in. Then they will thank me for my service. My usual answer is "Thank you for your support." But I'm curious about how others respond to that.
Posted in these groups: 
Appreciation
Appreciation
Posted 2 y ago
Responses: 432
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I have a very particular way to answer that appreciation: "Thank you for your service". Long explanation: A veteran's service and sacrifice is their way to guarantee America's way of life and freedom. This freedom includes our ability to choose a career or an occupation that would, directly or indirectly, serve the community/nation at large. In doing so, a veteran's service has been honored and the responsible civilian is serving in his/her capacity. That's all we/veteran's ask for. -OAÁ /R
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I am from the previous generation where we were not thanked for our service. When I hear the "Thanks for your service" I just reply "My Pleasure".
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I also have heard many prior responses to this.( I am a Vietnam -War Vet, 67-69 , Helicopter Crew-chief ). When i returned to the "World " , it Truly was, as Bad a reception as has been described. But I have always worn ( for my own personal Pride ) a Military Ball Cap. I am Still,..proud of Me. One of my favorite Responses, (that i have heard) , is " You Were worth it ! ". Mostly i just Say ; " Thank You,.. these Days , it Means More than You Know." And when you notice Parents , directing a child, to approach me with a " Thank You , for your Service ", I truly want to turn and Cry.
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My usual response is: "I loved every minute of it- except maybe for Parris Island and Vietnam. But you were worth it."
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I just say thank you. I don’t know who started the “thank you for your service” , but it has been an automatic statement or at a business it may be a required statement for the staff by the facility. Rarely meaningful. I was in Vietnam, still remember the anti military sentiment followed by our pay not being adjusted for inflation by President Ford.
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SFC Barbara Layman
"... I don’t know who started the “thank you for your service” , but it has been an automatic statement or at a business it may be a required statement for the staff by the facility. Rarely meaningful...."
It was begun after 11 Sep. Not sure by whom or how. And, I agree with you it has become a trite remark uttered by a population, the majority of whom have no clue what that service truly means.
It was begun after 11 Sep. Not sure by whom or how. And, I agree with you it has become a trite remark uttered by a population, the majority of whom have no clue what that service truly means.
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My favorite answer - I didn't originate it: "You're worth it." Those who truly appreciate our service ARE worth it.
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Tell them the best way to thank me is to live a life worthy of the sacrifice our Troops made for them
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