If anybody says anything to me tomorrow about my veteran's status,

[Aristus]

I'm going to tell them that the day is to remember those who fell in battle, which obviously ain't me.

We've gone so far in the other direction from the indifference veterans experienced during Vietnam, that now we acknowledge them when it's not specifically appropriate to do so.

[Stuart G]

1. Thank You for sharing your ideas on this. k and r

[bitterross]

2. Thank you.

What you say is true. It's part of making the never-ending war acceptable to America. It's about making it a part of every-day life when it never should be.

I was fortunate enough to grow up before never-ending war. These things were far more clear back then. When we thanked a solider for their service there was a reason other than they had just enlisted.

[rusty quoin]

3. Yeah, me, I worked in a hospital. I had a job and I was in no danger.

It’s about those who gave their lives and the families they left behind.

[pdxflyboy]

4. Aristus

You are so right. Thank you for posting this.

[democratisphere]

5. I think people mean well. All veterans from all wars should always be honored

and Memorial Day is as good a time as any to honor the veterans, both living and especially those that gave their lives for their country.

[eggplant]

10. That's what Veterans Day is for.

[JohnnyRingo]

6. Nod and be gracious.

You'll be glad you did when you realize people just go out of their way to express appreciation. Most folks mean well. Don't hurt them.

[jaysunb]

8. Exactly.

I'm never rude or dismissive as I totally understand the lack of understanding about the meaning of the day. With all those great Memorial day blowout sales and cookouts, who could expect people to know the significance or difference .

[denbot]

7. I no longer personally acknowledge a thank you for my service.

I do take the veterans discounts, but tell those who offer their thanks to give it to the vets under the bridges, and those who never came home..

[erlewyne]

13. I concur.

I will print that response for my cluttered wall. When I
wear my Viet Nam hat it is for shopping and a 10%
discount that I sometimes get. It occasionally buys me a
thirty-pack.

[Bernardo de La Paz]

9. A lot of acknowlegement but little support for vets from Republicons, lots of thoughts & prayers. nt

[Bigredhunk]

11. Yup

It happened after 9/11. To get their bullshit war(s), repugs hid behind the troops. It got to a point where you "hated America" if you didn't genuflect at someone on weekend Guard duty.

[erlewyne]

12. Tis true

Thank you, Aristus
I refuse to join any veteran organizations. My older
brother, a vet, bought me a Viet Nam Vet hat because
he thought I should join a veterans group. He also bought
our older brother the same hat (We belong to the VA for
insurance). I was shocked at people that thanked me
out of the clear blue because I would forget what my
cap said with recognition not being my intention. I feebly
respond "I was drafted". (I was after I volunteered for
the draft.)

I am for peace and will not watch any movies that
involve fire-arms. I am a NONES.

[Haggis for Breakfast]

14. My experience is

there are those who say it with respect and sincerity and those who don't.

To the former, I nod and say "The honor was mine and I would have done it all over again."

To the latter group, I say "Don't thank me. Say a prayer for my brothers and sisters who never came home." They are genuinely taken aback by that. If it makes them uncomfortable . . . good.