Veterans Day
Thank You
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How many actually thank you for your service? Everybody? Most people? Many? A few? Occasionally? Rarely? I might think that it was routine or obligatory if it happened often. But it is a rare, very rare occurrence, at least for me and I'm rarely in public without some distinguishing apparel. So, I just smile and say "It's an honor to have served." Any other response would make me feel concerned for the veterans being Thanked
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SFC Greg Bruorton
CPT Jack Durish Yours is a great analysis and your "It's an honor to have served." is a great reply to offer too along with a nod or even a salute in return.
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Could be any number of reasons, and depends on the given Vet/SM. When I see an SM (and around here that's pretty much just recruiters) or Veterans, I may engage them in a brief conversation as we have things in common, but am reserved in dishing out the thanks, and in HOW I do it, because I know many are not comfortable with gestures of appreciation. I certainly do return it if they thank me for my service though.
For me, I find some discomfort in being thanked, because I was just doing my thing, and never figured I did much to warrant such overt gratitude. When it was heart-felt, I appreciated it, and thanked them for their support, but honestly, even a look of recognition or the subtle head-nod, would more than suffice if any thanks need be expressed. That's me.
For me, I find some discomfort in being thanked, because I was just doing my thing, and never figured I did much to warrant such overt gratitude. When it was heart-felt, I appreciated it, and thanked them for their support, but honestly, even a look of recognition or the subtle head-nod, would more than suffice if any thanks need be expressed. That's me.
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PO3 James Ortiz
i believe that we find solace in the fact that we did our duty. No serviceman likes to be thanked because we honor our fallen brothers and we do not see it as an individual accomplishment. We see ourselves as one and humility is a core belief of a soldier. We also feel sorrow for our fallen and guilt for surviving. I do however appreciate the thanks and i sit in quiet contemplation. I it is difficult to even acknowledge such an honor.
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SFC Greg Bruorton
Dave, you've described well my thoughts on those offering thanks to us for our service. At times, I think "it's a little late, isn't it?" but then I recognize their sincerity, offer a nod or even an abbreviated salute. I speak with those of fellow Vietnam veterans regarding this issue, despite we've served in other hot-spots around the world.
Great comment, Dave!
Great comment, Dave!
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Many reasons come to mind- 1. I volunteered to serve. 2. I just did my duty. 3. I was lucky, and many of my friends were not. 4. What of the Vietnam Vets
, Korean Vets who got no thanks. 5. What of the families of my KIA?. I thank folks in honor of my KIA, and say "It was my privilege to serve with great people in crummy places."
, Korean Vets who got no thanks. 5. What of the families of my KIA?. I thank folks in honor of my KIA, and say "It was my privilege to serve with great people in crummy places."
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SFC Greg Bruorton
SGM Bill Frazer You nailed it, Bill! We all did our jobs the best way we could under the existing circumstances and few of us turned out to be heroes in any form. Your ending response hits it on target. Thanks for your great comments.
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