Asking Veterans About Their Service Is Far Better Than Thanking Them For It

Depends a lot on the person you are talking with. A stranger, a "thank you" is probably better except when they are wearing something that demonstrates their veteran status--a hat, usually. In those instances, I am more comfortable opening with, "where did you serve;" my hope being that I will learn something. That is, something about the person, yes, but also about the time and place. At one point, we were losing five thousand WWII vets a day as that population ages out. So much history has gone with each of them. Opportunities to both learn and appreciate. I regret deeply not asking more about my father's service in the Navy during that War. I know they ate beans for breakfast a lot. Beyond that, not much and now it is too late.

I don't mind either. Currently I work security at a High School. Couple of the History teachers bring myself and other staff in to talk about our service toward the end of the year. The students react better with us talking about the times we deployed. Its optional for us to do it..

COL (Join to see) Since i usually don't talk to strangers about my service,just using "thank you for your service" is fine as a greeting.Though,most that use the term are just paying vocal service to it.