when you see a vet or an active duty military person, shake their hand and thank them for their service on behalf of every freedom-enjoying American.

I always appreciated our veterans and soldiers, but since a very personal loss to me, I have made a point of thanking veterans and soldiers for their service.

I have never gotten a negative response and I have gotten some very sincere thank yous.  Try it, I bet you will like how you make them feel, and you will also like the way you feel.

For all those who have served, for all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, for all those who wait for their loved one's return, and for all those mourning the ones who will never return...

Thank You All For Your Service To A Grateful Nation!

to thank the young men and women in uniform, especially when I see them in airports. I used to wonder where they were headed. Were they leaving or coming back? Now, I don't wonder. I ask them, and I've had some wonderful conversations with them. Try it sometime. They really do need to hear that we appreciate them.

When we started sending the troops over to Afghanistan I was a bartender at the Atlanta airport.  I bought (my bar did) many a soldier a beer and if I didn't somebody at the bar would buy their rounds.  I shared a lot of laughter with these brave men and women.  I will admit that I had tears sometimes because they were sooo young.

I also worked in the Crown Room for Delta.  I met quite a few Generals.  Now those guys are a whole different story.....

who aren't so friendly toward our servicemen (or they aren't used to receiving "thanks yous"). About half the time I can sense a certain apprehension from them until they realize that I'm friendly.

-- Modified on 5/26/2008 12:28:19 PM

Thanks Terrev.  Yesterday I was with my son and we ran into a neighbor.  My son was not in uniform, indeed he is a civilian working for the U.S. government overseas.  My neighbor was aware of this, and said, "thanks for your service to our country."  My son was a bit surprised but pleased, and I was touched.  This, even though both of us are sharp critics of some current policies.  My son took an oath to defend the Constitution, not a given administration.

"About half the time I can sense a certain apprehension from them until they realize that I'm friendly."

They've probably run into idiots from Code Pink or MoveOn once too often.

The people who serve in the security/emergency services overall amaze me. Volunteer to go to a war zone? Rush into a burning building? Take down some nut who's high on God knows what? They deserve our appreciation every day.

--b.

How about the average American citizen. The experience myself and my family had, in the deep south, while stationed there during the
Vietnam War, by the average American citizen, was quite painful. Not only was there no gratitude expressed but often outright verbal hostility. Go figure. So, I make certain to thank our vets. when I see them, and pro bono a percent of my services to them. I little gratitude and extra help goes a long ways.

Matt, I remember the crappy way our servicemen were treated on returning from 'Nam, but I haven't seen that from average citizens this time around. I think a lot of people who remember the last time (and have a sense of shame) are trying very hard to make sure this generation's experience is different. I've even seen people applauding in airports as flights with servicemen on it deplaned.

That's good you provide pro bono. I can't do anything like that, but I do try to pick up the tab for a cup of coffee when in the airports.

--b.

Thanks for the feedback and I am so thankful to hear that our men and women in the services are being treated with the respect that they deserve.

I have been on several flights where the pilot announced that there were service people aboard and thanked them for their service, and everybody on the plane applauded. Very different reception that the Vietnam vets got.

As a grizzled old retread O-6 (USNR), I make it a habit to salute any service man or service woman in uniform, regardless of rank.  It's the least I can do.

As a grizzled old retread O-6 (USNR), I make it a habit to salute any service man or service woman in uniform, regardless of rank.  It's the least I can do.

My service was before Vietnam heated up, but I remember the treatment 'Nam vets got when they came home. That's why I still greet them today with "Welcome home!" It has a special meaning.

I remember the welcome our troops and sailors got after returning from Desert Storm in '91. What a contrast.

My son served stateside during Desert Storm and was "in country" for Operation Iraqui Freedom. He is still in the Reserves and will probably deploy again.

Every time I see a serviceman, either active or a vet wearing a cap or t-shirt that identifies him or her, I make it a point to say "Thank you for your service." Every time I'm in an airport, there is lots of opportunity.

As Sunray said, it is always appreciated. And although we may or may not agree with a particular policy or administration, Sunray is right. The Oath is to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution.

Can you imagine this hobby or this correspondence under Shari'ia law?

that attend military funerals, specifically to place themselves in between the service and the Code Pink types that try to disrupt the funeral ceremony.

I think I've seen photos of your group (or others like-minded) standing watch over the fallen.

--b.

It was a community, collective "we". I do support them though.

Our military doesn't start wars, politicians do. The military has to fight and die.  They make the ultimate sacrifice for their country. Their families also sacrifice quite a lot for their country as well. Imagine having your wife, husband, father, mother etc. gone for over a year.  It's tough for these families.  It's a mental, financial and emotional struggle for them.

God bless these brave men and women.  May the wings of liberty never loose a feather.

BBxxx