[adias]

Due to medical reasons (sleep apnea, flat feet, color blindness), I could never serve. But, between my father, brothers (one a Full Colonel), and nephews, my family saw service during WWII D-DAY, aboard aircraft carriers, and during desert warfare. So, when I state "thank you for your service", I never meant it as a slight. I don't understand why you perceived it as such...?

Please extend to your family members my thanks for their Service! Our Freedom rests on their shoulders.

 

[StimpyWan]

Please extend to your family members my thanks for their Service!

Will do...! Your wishes are much appreciated...!

 

[KoshNaranek]

Listening to this at work right now

 

[emorrison33]

Please stop that.
It is sooooo condescending.
I think almost 100% of military personnel hate it when someone says that.

I've never had a problem with it. And I feel that most people who say that to me, truly mean it.

 

[FLTWS]

I've never had a problem with it. And I feel that most people who say that to me, truly mean it.

I agree, and they say it once and never repeat it if I should see them again. Acknowledged in perpetuity.

 

[Ableza]

The problem with the "thank you" phrase is it took on political meaning since 9/11, but if said in sincerity and not out of obligation I always appreciate it. Most Nam vets never got any thanks...

 

[corndog71]

Please stop that.
It is sooooo condescending.
I think almost 100% of military personnel hate it when someone says that.

As a vet I wouldn’t say I hate it. I appreciate the sentiment. I never thought of it as condescending. As a slightly neurodivergent pedant I used to struggle with a response. “You’re welcome” never felt like an appropriate response yet that has become my go to.

 

[StimpyWan]

As a vet I wouldn’t say I hate it. I appreciate the sentiment. I never thought of it as condescending. As a slightly neurodivergent pedant I used to struggle with a response. “You’re welcome” never felt like an appropriate response yet that has become my go to.

For me personally, no response required. My "Thank You" is a show of respect, not an obligation...!

 

[CAPT Deadpool]

Due to medical reasons (sleep apnea, flat feet, color blindness), I could never serve. But, between my father, brothers (one a Full Colonel), and nephews, my family saw service during WWII D-DAY, aboard aircraft carriers, and during desert warfare. So, when I state "thank you for your service", I never meant it as a slight. I don't understand why you perceived it as such...?

Personally, as an Army Vet I take it positively unless I can tell it is said sarcastically.

 

[FLTWS]

As a vet I wouldn’t say I hate it. I appreciate the sentiment. I never thought of it as condescending. As a slightly neurodivergent pedant I used to struggle with a response. “You’re welcome” never felt like an appropriate response yet that has become my go to.

"Your welcome" is short, sweet, and works for me too.
Vietnam Vets were derided by some. That's why some of us wouldn't wear our uniforms off duty in public when we came back State side, before ETS'ing,
so as to not draw attention.

 

[corndog71]

For me personally, no response required. My "Thank You" is a show of respect, not an obligation...!

Leaving a “thank you” hanging out there with no response feels worse but maybe it’s just me.
Sometimes when my brain was too distracted to come up with a respectful response I would just offer a salute.

 

[Pietro Cozzi Tinin]

I asked hundreds of soldiers their thoughts on the matter and most of them didn't like it.
That's where my post comes from.
I think however that there's a difference between European and US American people in the matter.

 

[corndog71]

I asked hundreds of soldiers their thoughts on the matter and most of them didn't like it.
That's where my post comes from.
I think however that there's a difference between European and US American people in the matter.

I‘m not sure how other countries do it but the US is all voluntary so that may be part of the difference.

 

[CAPT Deadpool]

B-Stock Updated

 

[Ableza]

Leaving a “thank you” hanging out there with no response feels worse but maybe it’s just me.
Sometimes when my brain was too distracted to come up with a respectful response I would just offer a salute.

My best response was at a VFW event where without thinking I said, "It was my honor." That's too much for most encounters where I usually just say "Thanks."