Why do so many Americans show a complete lack of respect for Soldiers and Veterans?

I have lived and served all across the United States and the World, and I have never been disrespected (even by an enemy). To get respect you must give respect. When approached by our citizenry I am typically thanked for my service, but I don't just thank them and move on, I ask them what they do because it takes all of us to keep US great. Beyond that, I ask them to thank our Nation's teachers and nurses because they are the unsung heroes that ensure the well-being of our Homefront and have touched the lives of each of us. We all have our role to play for freedom and democracy to be maintained, and humility fosters gratitude.

SSG Toryn Green Simply the majority have not served, only 1% of all Americans have served. If they served they would respect the Freedom all Armed Forces that have sacrificed for freedom.

We don't have national service in this country. So most Americans don't have a clue. These same people complain about Firefighters sitting around the firehouse, and cops hanging out instead of "stopping crime". They just don't have a clue.

Also, the whole 9/11 thing has become kind of passe, and the entire country is burned out by 15 years of war in the ME. So a confluence of issues have contributed to this...