I admit, I prefer thanks to chants of "baby killer" and accusations of being the tool of a fascist government.
But all too often it's easy to see that the phrase is just a "feel-good" reaction, lacking any emotion or sincerity. It's as hollow as the "God bless America" that ends every political speech by every U.S. politician that has ever mounted a podium.
My advice, as a veteran, is this: stop saying "Thank you for your service" or any similar trite, politically popular bullshit.
You sincerely want to thank a veteran? Here are ten things (there are many more) you can do that will make every veteran's sacrifice and service worthwhile.
- Vote
- Defend and protect your family, friends, neighbors and children
- Get involved in social projects that help less fortunate Americans: Provide jobs to the unemployed, provide shelter to the homeless and food to the starving
- Get your news from journalists, not commentators and entertainers
- Champion honesty, compassion, empathy and generosity
- Promote justice and the equal treatment of all Americans
- Take care of our country; don't litter or waste resources
- Don't give away your Constitutional rights for political expediency
- Understand we must work together to solve national issues
- Realize that everyone who contributes to bettering our society is just as worthy of thanks as any veteran
