Would you rather not receive the, "Thank you for your service" refrain?

[squatting dog]

Less than .5% of the USA citizens have even been in the military.

That's the latest estimate for active duty personnel.

Overall, About 7% of living American citizens have served in the military at some point, based on recent estimates. This includes roughly 18-22 million veterans out of a population of around 330 million. The number varies slightly by source and year, with older data citing up to 7.3% and newer figures trending closer to 6%.

 

[DaveA]

My husband says he doesn’t like it either. It embarrasses him. He doesn’t know what to say next..

How about "Thank you" as many vets have said over the years and skip this recent BS regarding which war, where one served, in what capacity and on and on and on ----.
The comment is usually well meant so say thanks and go on with your life.

 

[Meanderer]

When you sense the deed to do so, just follow your gut and your heart and you will be just fine.

 

[rbtvgo]

Know what! You served, you gave and you faced the consequences. Whatever they may have been. You are vets. Someone said only 7% served in the military. I can believe that. You put on the uniform. You had your head shaved. You stood in line for chow, sweated beyond belief. Formed friendships that go beyond any relationships you formed later in life. Wear a hat, don't wear a hat but know that you are differnt. Will be till the day you die. I would rather be associated with all of you then anything else in my life. To all of us.........thank you for serving.

 

[Dave03]

I've been thanked dozens of times, and it was REALLY weird at first. I felt really fraudulent for a while.

I served six years, but during peace time, so, it sits a little uneasy with me at times.

The weird thing is, I never wore any kind of hat or clothing to indicate I was a veteran for over thirty years after I got out, until one of the girls my daughter played softball with was getting commissioned, and becoming a lieutenant.

So I bought a black hat that just said 'Army' across the front, as a show of support for her.

Turns out, the hat fit perfectly, (if you're a big headed person, and you find a hat that fits, you hang on to it.) so I just kept on wearing it.

 

[DGM]

Years ago whenever I'd see a WWII vet, I would salute them. In recent years I salute anyone who wears a vet's hat. IMHO a simple silent salute indicates respect. I like it better than "thank you for your service". I salute cops too. I've always felt the VFW and American Legion should encourage this.