Why does it have to be thanks for your "service"?

[sibelian]

why can't it be


thanks for your dedication
thanks for your sacrifice
thanks for your patience
thanks for your stoicism
thanks for keeping your head straight
thanks for your courage

or something *human*?

I feel weird saying service. Like I was in a restaurant.

[RKP5637]

1. Good point. Maybe it stems from being called servicemen. The

armed services, etc. Just guessing.

[frazzled]

2. I think because they were part of the "armed services"

People who are "in the service" are members of one of the US military branches. But you could say one of those other things if you wish.

[Wait Wut]

3. I've heard some of those used, actually.

Mostly from other veterans. I agree "service" sounds a bit cold, but it's still a show of gratitude.

Rec for humanity.

[JuniperLea]

4. Armed services...

They serve in the Army... they serve in the Navy, they serve in the Air Force, and they serve in the Marines. They serve duty.

Every service person gets it. Don't worry.

I think anything else waters it down.

[RSillsbee]

5. Speaking as a veteran

I feel uncomfortable when some one I don't know drops that "Thanks for your service." line on me. It's only happened once or twice but it just feels awkward to me. If you(generic) really want to thank a vet donate to your local USO. (Especially the one in Charlotte who's couch it seems I ended up on every time I either went to or came home form EUSARA)

[nadinbrzezinski]

7. + brazillion

[RSillsbee]

8. Wow we finally agree on something. NT

[nadinbrzezinski]

11. You are not alone either.

[Siwsan]

10. It never made me uncomfortable, but it took getting used to

I do think this is a more recent practice by people, maybe do to the Iraq war bringing the military back into focus.

I went to my nephews basic training graduation and took him out for the day to celebrate. He was, of course, in uniform and lots of people came up to him to thank him for his service, which REALLY took him aback. I assured him he'd get used to it, too. But, I remembered when I graduated from basic and my father took me out for the day. I don't remember anyone coming up to me.

[JoePhilly]

16. I think this is the disconnect ...

America's roll in the world has been largely defined by our military strength.

Sure, the US set the example with the Constitution, we've invented all kinds of things ... but our military went from being a rag-tag bunch of "revolutionaries" under George Washington, and became the strongest military on the planet.

The US has played a large role in every major war since our independence.

But its always been a "citizen force". There really is not a "military class" in the US. Sure, some families have had their sons in the military through multiple generations, but that is different than having an entire class of warriors.

Most of our military are "the guy" or now "the girl" next door. Relatively speaking, they don't get many "perks" for joining.

Low end pro athletes and Kardashian sisters make far more money for far less risk.

I think some people get that ... and so sometimes they want to just say thank you, because they know that many in the military, and their families, make huge sacrifices. And so they say "thank you for your service".

On the other hand, most of those in the military, simply want to do their jobs. They don;t see themselves as heros, don't expect more than what they signed up for.

btw ... I agree with you that Iraq brought this back into focus ... I think many believe (me among them) that Iraq was a huge distraction, and so those who we lost there should not have been lost. There is a sense wastefulness. As a nation we have these great people who join, and then, our government sent them into a situation where they need not have gone. Of course the troops go where they are sent. And they do the job.

So I think some who "thank them" are also trying to apologize for a country that allowed them to be sent into Iraq in the first place.

In other words they are saying ... "Thank you for your service ... sorry that our President screwed up and sent you into Iraq for no meaningful reason ... and I'm very happy you have returned safely."

[sibelian]

18. I'm so glad you said that.

Can I say thanks for being brave ? :D

[RSillsbee]

23. umm OK NT

[Nye Bevan]

6. They "serve" their country. They are the armed "services".

Just keep saying it; eventually you won't feel weird. IMO "thanks for keeping your head straight" sounds a lot weirder.

[Obamanaut]

9. It is all encompassing, and much easier than "Thanks for being a part

of whatever branch of the military you may have been in, and the deployments that kept you away from your family, and the arduous conditions you may have encountered."

"Service" fits nicely. When said to me, I simply say something to the effect that "I enjoyed my career, and now am enjoying my retirement. So, thank *you*."

[pinboy3niner]

12. When I was in the service... *lightbulb*

Vets still refer to their time "in the service," and we've all filled out paperwork that includes a question about "military service," so the term may not sound so weird to vets' ears.

You may be overthinking it. :)

[bluesbassman]

13. Just weighing in as a vet, I've never felt awkward being on the receiving end of that comment.

I say it myself whaen I meet a vet or current military person.

[TBF]

14. My dad always referred to his Navy time as "being in the Service" -

I think it's slang that they used. He's in his mid-60s now. That may be where it came from.

[Demit]

15. Because the word 'service' implies all those things. Vets served their country.

[MineralMan]

17. Service in the military encompasses all of those things.

And more. "Service" is just the right word.

[sibelian]

19. Well I won't press the point, I guess...

I just don't like thinking of other people as servants!

[MineralMan]

21. Service does not imply servant status.

You're making a semantic error in that. While servants serve, not all service is done by servants.

[pipi_k]

20. Why does it matter

what words one uses as long as the attitude of thanks is there?


Really...are we actually going to criticize the way people say, "Thank you"???

sigh...

[MineralMan]

22. +10