Why do Veterans seem to not like being told ''thank you for your service'' by civilians?

But, without the watchmen on the walls, without those who sit in the corners of our nation, none of those things would be possible, and especially not within the ease in which we do it.

I house homeless veterans and recently spoke at a charity event. I asked the question, "how many of us actually think about what that statement means, what it holds?" What if we said thank you for offering your life, so I can live mine, thank you losing your legs, just so I could walk, thank you for giving your arms that no longer hold your child, so that I can hold mine, thank you for signing up to live with PTSD, Shell shock and other mental health issues just so I don't have to live in fear, thank you for protecting the unknown faces of those who despise you simply for the color of your skin; not bold enough to stand in front of you, lack even the courage to stand beside you, but instead stand behind you. Who are the unknown soldiers; one of them is my son...

I personally cannot stand it because in many cases it seems like it is disingenuous. The other thing is it makes me very uncomfortable to respond to it. I like to be left alone. I don't want to be bothered with being stopped every 5 feet to be thanked if I decide to wear something veteran related. I also think that this is just the pendulum swinging way too far in the opposite direction from what was seen during the Vietnam era. My hope is that it gets to a nice happy medium where people don't spit on vets but don't take the appreciation overboard. I know I am just a normal person and want to be treated as such. I have no need to have my ego stroked.

It depends on how the phrase is offered. If a clerk offers the thanks in a clearly routine tone, one of those store slogan things, then it isn't thanks, it's advertising. I don't tell them they're full of it, but we both know what's going on. The most worthless happens at Lowes. If you have a Lowes rewards card and have stated you are a veteran, then the point-of-service computer at self checkout says "thank you for your service" when you scan your Lowes card! However, I don't turn down the veterans' discount.

For a long time, I didn't know what to say. As a Vietnam era vet, we didn't get a lot of thanks while on active duty. I've learned to say, "Thank you for your support."

I know for me, I feel like don't know how to answer. To say, "you're welcome" makes me feel like I'm being condensending. I joined, mostly, for the free education and practical experience. So I also feel insincere and undeserving of thanks even though I understand their thinking and all.

I always say 'welcome home' to fellow vietnam vets and acknowledge other vets with an hello or the like. My wife is also a vet and even if she has on her Navy hat she is not acknowledged as a vet.
But I do not like getting a thank you for your service. I am not saying everyone but I truly believe a lot of those who say that are in some way thinking they are making up for their failure to serve their country.
Usually I just smile and nod but if they are really over the top with it I tell them 'most fun I ever had with my clothes on'. Their face changes quickly and they don't know what to say as I smile and walk away. I di 5 tours in Vietnam and don't need aor want a thank you. Just respect my grandkids serving today!

because we don't need to be thanked it was our honor to do so