What do you think is the best greeting among active military and veterans?

2015-02-15T15:24:13-05:00

There are times when I meet other veterans for the first time and there are many times when the veteran or active duty member thanks me for my service. I truly appreciate that, but honestly feel that that service member does not need to thank me. All of us have volunteered and served. (However, I am extremely thankful that civilians are thanking veterans that they run into in contrast to the Vietnam vets who came before many of us).

I'm thinking that we're thanking each other because we haven't really figured out a way of acknowledging each other with a greeting.

Given that all of us have served, I propose that we come up with a greeting for each other that says it all. For example, I'm thinking that I will start saying "Semper Fi Brother/Sister!" And folks from the other branches could respond with their own Services' greeting; hooah or whatever. But the key point is to acknowledge the brother/sisterhood.

What are your thoughts?

Response by SGT Jim Z. made Feb 15 at 2015 3:27 PM

2015-02-15T15:27:19-05:00

That is a noble idea and not an easy feat to accomplish.

Hooah and Semper Fi.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2015 3:40 PM

2015-02-15T15:40:00-05:00

Gunny, do they NEED to thank you? No. I would definitely thank you, because you have served in uniform. We have all left our mark on the military, and hopefully we can all leave our branches a little better when we came in than we did when we left.

I think very few people honestly feel that they DESERVE the thanks that they get, and I can speak that I know I don't feel I've earned it. However, it is a way of saying that we care about our Brothers and Sisters.

Even if you volunteered and served....you still made sacrifices that are worthy of gratitude.

Semper Fi and Hooah (we gotta come up with a better greeting)
v/r,
CPT Butler

Response by Cpl J.D. Stewart made Feb 15 at 2015 3:46 PM

2015-02-15T15:46:49-05:00

I agree that it is awkward sometimes to greet another veteran. I usually greet Marines with Semper Fidelis or orah. The other services are a little more difficult so I usually say hey soldier, airman or sailor. It's been my experience that Marines are more social as it is taught Once a Marine Always a Marine.

Response by PO2 Anthony Cruz made Feb 15 at 2015 3:54 PM

2015-02-15T15:54:15-05:00

how about we take the example from the American Legion, "For God and Country"

Response by PO1 John Meyer, CPC made Feb 15 at 2015 4:05 PM

2015-02-15T16:05:30-05:00

I work in the medical field as a biller/coder. When I see a patient that has a retiree ID, I will address them by their rank as my way to thank them for their service. If I find out the person is a fellow veteran (non-retiree), I will still thank them for their service.

But then, that's just me.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2015 4:07 PM

2015-02-15T16:07:27-05:00

GySgt Private RallyPoint Member. I keep an eye out for enlisted personnel in the market . . . and very quietly and discretely pay for their groceries. They slowly smile, nod, or shake hands . . . nothing more to be said . . . just kindness between people who share the same values.

Elsewhere I just discretely smile, nod, bow, or shake hands . . . there is nothing more really needs to be said . . . expressions convey sense of recognition and appreciation for what it means to serve our extraordinary country.

Warmest Regards, Sandy

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Feb 15 at 2015 5:26 PM

2015-02-15T17:26:22-05:00

I like Semper Fi.

Response by PO2 Jonathan Scharff made Feb 15 at 2015 6:43 PM

2015-02-15T18:43:41-05:00

Sadly, I often find that it is only us Veterans and active duty members that are thanking each other. I am glad that the overall attitude towards servicemen and women has changed since the early 70's, but I still believe we have a long way to go. Some day someone will explain to me what is more important to a nation then taking care of those who put their lives on the line to protect it.

I thank you all for your service to this great nation! Semper Fidelis, Army Strong, Non sibi sed patriae, Aim High...Fly, Fight, Win, and of course...Semper Paratus!

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made Mar 1 at 2015 10:00 AM

2015-03-01T10:00:35-05:00