Implicit, I think, in the "thanks for your service" bit is a detail that doesn't (to the same degree) apply to the many others (teachers, clergymen, moms, dads, etc.) who serve us day-in and day-out: You put your life on the line for strangers.
During the height of the "Black Lives Matter/Defund the Police" movement, I began to buy the coffee and thank them for their service for any Chicago police officer who happened to be in the Dunkin' Donuts line with me as I ordered my regular morning coffee. The offer was always accepted and clearly appreciated. So I've continued the gratitude habit to this day . . . .
I am a combat wounded Vet who is now disabled from severe and painful combat injuries. These injuries have required four major surgeries; a knee replacement and years of physical therapy. So, I take advantage of boarding with the handicapped early boarding. I move very slowly, use a cane and need help getting a small bag in the overhead. If you are physically able to board normally, do so if you so choose. But if you have been injured in combat, please take advantage of early boarding for you have earned it.
Patriotism had a lot to do with my decision to enlist, but I also had selfish reasons for doing so. The USAF sent me to a 9-month electronics school, and the GI Bill allowed me to go to college. I bought a house using my Texas Veterans Land Grant low-cost loan. I made friends I'm still in touch with fifty-some years later. I was willing to give all, but the reality is I gained more from my service than what was demanded of me in return. Knowing this, I take "Thank you for your service." with the view that I'm standing as a representative for those who can't be there, and accept it in the spirit with which it's offered.
I can still see my old man kinda shock me when I witnessed him shake his head at a “Veteran” license plate. I asked him what is his disgust is all about (my old man, eminent officer and quintessential Christian gentleman, survivor of not only the European apocalypse, but the North Korean/Chi Coms crimes against humanity…), and he said “Jesus only cares about ‘what have you have done for Him lately’”. Many moons later, after that day at a stop light, it still gives me insight into why his own wife did not know her husband (he was still in uniform) had a Silver Star…until she found it in his office desk drawer…probing around the house as fifties “trad wife’s” were want to do.
As someone who was a diehard wannabe punk U2 and The Clash fanatic, I did not answer “The Call Up”…as I now appreciate that the United States has not and will not be under any existential threat because of the courage and tenacity of those that serve[d]…as I thank god that my old man does not have to bear witness to the threat from within posed by a literal Neo nationalist sociopath megalomaniac Un, Putin and Xi admirer…No worries…a Il Duce wannabe Tony Soprano in the flesh just so happens to be Commander and Chief of the U.S. military…We the People are way past the time what my old man would do to the likes of Secretary of Bore Wars Hegseth or the Don King Trump …”For Godsake, this guy cannot remain in white power”…and it is high time the Brass stop following orders of a psycho killer and a “War is Cool” secretary of offense. Gotta run on. Sorry for this, but I worry for my country. Thanks for taking my rant Onward and Upward. Peace through superior mental firepower
An interesting array of valid perspectives. I'm neutral on priority boarding. We're all going to get to the destination at the same time. Priority de-boarding would be more of a benefit!
In general, if a person at Walmart is wearing a cap or t-shirt about their military service, I think that indicates that saying, "Thank you for your service," would be welcome. On the other hand, my husband and brother and two of my daughters and one daughter-in-law are veterans, and I mention their military service only on Veterans' Day.
Wonderful collection of thoughts. When I walk past a police officer holding traffic before or after an event, I like to thank them for their service. It is usually obvious that is not preferred duty for them and the recognition is appreciated.
Implicit, I think, in the "thanks for your service" bit is a detail that doesn't (to the same degree) apply to the many others (teachers, clergymen, moms, dads, etc.) who serve us day-in and day-out: You put your life on the line for strangers.
During the height of the "Black Lives Matter/Defund the Police" movement, I began to buy the coffee and thank them for their service for any Chicago police officer who happened to be in the Dunkin' Donuts line with me as I ordered my regular morning coffee. The offer was always accepted and clearly appreciated. So I've continued the gratitude habit to this day . . . .
I am a combat wounded Vet who is now disabled from severe and painful combat injuries. These injuries have required four major surgeries; a knee replacement and years of physical therapy. So, I take advantage of boarding with the handicapped early boarding. I move very slowly, use a cane and need help getting a small bag in the overhead. If you are physically able to board normally, do so if you so choose. But if you have been injured in combat, please take advantage of early boarding for you have earned it.
Patriotism had a lot to do with my decision to enlist, but I also had selfish reasons for doing so. The USAF sent me to a 9-month electronics school, and the GI Bill allowed me to go to college. I bought a house using my Texas Veterans Land Grant low-cost loan. I made friends I'm still in touch with fifty-some years later. I was willing to give all, but the reality is I gained more from my service than what was demanded of me in return. Knowing this, I take "Thank you for your service." with the view that I'm standing as a representative for those who can't be there, and accept it in the spirit with which it's offered.
I can still see my old man kinda shock me when I witnessed him shake his head at a “Veteran” license plate. I asked him what is his disgust is all about (my old man, eminent officer and quintessential Christian gentleman, survivor of not only the European apocalypse, but the North Korean/Chi Coms crimes against humanity…), and he said “Jesus only cares about ‘what have you have done for Him lately’”. Many moons later, after that day at a stop light, it still gives me insight into why his own wife did not know her husband (he was still in uniform) had a Silver Star…until she found it in his office desk drawer…probing around the house as fifties “trad wife’s” were want to do.
As someone who was a diehard wannabe punk U2 and The Clash fanatic, I did not answer “The Call Up”…as I now appreciate that the United States has not and will not be under any existential threat because of the courage and tenacity of those that serve[d]…as I thank god that my old man does not have to bear witness to the threat from within posed by a literal Neo nationalist sociopath megalomaniac Un, Putin and Xi admirer…No worries…a Il Duce wannabe Tony Soprano in the flesh just so happens to be Commander and Chief of the U.S. military…We the People are way past the time what my old man would do to the likes of Secretary of Bore Wars Hegseth or the Don King Trump …”For Godsake, this guy cannot remain in white power”…and it is high time the Brass stop following orders of a psycho killer and a “War is Cool” secretary of offense. Gotta run on. Sorry for this, but I worry for my country. Thanks for taking my rant Onward and Upward. Peace through superior mental firepower
“America owes me nothing—and I owe America quite a lot.”
I wish this sentiment were more common in my Country, Canada.
Jay, I don’t begrudge any of your readers who replied, a thing at all for their opinions or comments.
As usual, reading your column has helped me see things in a different light , and through a slightly different shade.
An interesting array of valid perspectives. I'm neutral on priority boarding. We're all going to get to the destination at the same time. Priority de-boarding would be more of a benefit!
In general, if a person at Walmart is wearing a cap or t-shirt about their military service, I think that indicates that saying, "Thank you for your service," would be welcome. On the other hand, my husband and brother and two of my daughters and one daughter-in-law are veterans, and I mention their military service only on Veterans' Day.
Wonderful collection of thoughts. When I walk past a police officer holding traffic before or after an event, I like to thank them for their service. It is usually obvious that is not preferred duty for them and the recognition is appreciated.