Do veterans like being thanked?

49% of veterans don't like to be thanked for their service, poll shows. The Cohen Veterans Network created a poll for veterans to determine if they like to be thanked. Turns out, 49% of them don't.


Why don't veterans like being thanked for their service?

Some veterans believe that saying “thank you for your service” is almost a way for civilians to massage away some of the guilt at not participating themselves.

Should you thank a veteran for their service?

It's more important than ever that our Veterans receive our support and gratitude for protecting the United States and its citizens at home and abroad. We can never repay the debt we owe them, yet they enter service knowing this, and so often live the rest of their lives with the wounds of having served.


What to say to a veteran instead of thank you for your service?

While it is customary to offer a “thank you for your service” to veterans, if you're looking for an alternative, you could instead say: “Thank you for putting your life on hold to serve our country.” “Thank you for the sacrifices you made being away from your family.”

What is the best way to thank a veteran?

Top 10 Ways to Thank a Veteran
  1. Volunteer at a veteran's organization. ...
  2. Buy a meal for a homeless vet. ...
  3. Fly your flag. ...
  4. Send balloons to your local recruiters office. ...
  5. Ask a loved one for stories about their time in service -- and listen patiently. ...
  6. Put a stamp on it. ...
  7. Look for a community event.


These vets talk about how they respond to ‘thank you for your service’



How do you make a veteran feel special?

Celebrating Veterans in your Community
  1. Thank Veterans in your Workplace. A simple thank you goes a long way. ...
  2. Support Veteran-Owned Businesses. Veteran-owned businesses are in every community. ...
  3. Make a Donation or Volunteer. There are many charities that help Veterans in need. ...
  4. Observe a Moment of Silence.


How do you make a veteran happy?

Honor veterans year-round
  1. Celebrate with service. Show service members your gratitude throughout the year with a home-cooked meal, thank you note or day of volunteering.
  2. Support veteran-owned businesses. It's not always easy to identify which businesses are founded or operated by veterans. ...
  3. Express thanks. ...
  4. Send a card.


How do you show respect to veterans?

Always be sincere, caring, compassionate and ready and able to listen to what a Veteran or his or her family member has to share about the situation they are dealing with. Be supportive and non-judgmental and always validate their feelings and concerns. Be honest, sincere, caring and respectful.


What are 3 ways to thank a veteran?

Here are five ways to thank a veteran:
  • Find a service opportunity in your area. Say thank you by giving your time. ...
  • Share your message of thanks through USO. Gather your friends and family together to write letters of appreciation for our veterans. ...
  • Start your own service project. ...
  • Show your patriotism. ...
  • Say “thank you."


What are three ways to honor veterans?

How to honor veterans in your life
  • Say “thank you!” ...
  • Write an old-fashioned letter or send a care package. ...
  • Treat a veteran to a meal. ...
  • Offer to help with household chores. ...
  • Make a commitment to volunteer. ...
  • Donate to a cause that supports veterans. ...
  • Invite a veteran to speak at your child's school. ...
  • Support veteran-owned companies.


Are veterans happy with the VA?

The survey, which asked Veterans about their experience with VA health care since the MISSION Act was implemented, found that more than 80% were satisfied with their VA health care.


Why should you respect a veteran?

1. Veterans fought for our freedoms and risked their lives whether or not we realized it or appreciated it. 2. Without the service of veterans we would not have the freedoms we have today.

Is it disrespectful for a civilian to salute a veteran?

Former military members not in uniform may salute. However, civilians should not salute. As a sign of respect, civilians should instead remove any head gear and place it over their heart. In the absence of head gear, the customary gesture is to place the right hand over the heart.

Why do veterans get so angry?

People may become angry when they feel threatened, harmed, or powerless. Some Veterans may be more likely to feel anger in everyday situations because of a traumatic event from past military experience, such as combat, physical or sexual abuse, injury, or the loss of a buddy from their unit.


Why should I not say thank you for your service?

It's the equivalent to someone saying “I'm sorry so-and-so died.” It doesn't actually make you feel better, and depending on the person, you can tell they said it because they felt obligated. “Thank you for your service” is almost dismissive of our soldiers and vets.

What is a fancy way to say thank you?

I sincerely appreciate your help. A formal way to express appreciation for someone's help. Please accept my deepest thanks. A very formal way to give thanks; mostly used in official written correspondence. I appreciate your assistance.

What should you not ask veterans?

And for more things only someone who's served will know, check out these 23 Slang Terms Only Veterans Know.
  • "How many people have you killed?" ...
  • "What kind of action did you see in combat?" ...
  • "When are you done?" ...
  • "I'm glad you made it back in one piece." ...
  • "How could you leave your family for so long?"


Why are veterans so special?

Veterans are important to our nation's history and future because they are model citizens that put in hard work, dedication and determination in all that they did to protect our country and our futures as proud americans in the land of the free.

What are some ways you can thank veterans?

Thank You for Your Service! 7 Ways to Thank Veterans on Veterans Day
  • Send a Care Package to an Active Service Person. ...
  • Give a Veteran a Meal. ...
  • Help Out Homeless Vets. ...
  • Volunteer at a Veteran's Affairs (VA) Hospital. ...
  • Write to a Veteran. ...
  • Attend a Veterans Day Parade. ...
  • Commemorate Them in Your Congregation.


Do veterans feel lonely?

Conclusions: Loneliness is highly prevalent in U.S. military veterans, with more than half endorsing feeling lonely sometimes or often, and 1-of-5 reporting feeling lonely often.


Do veterans feel guilt?

Some Veterans feel guilt or remorse because of something that happened in their military experience, such as an injury to a buddy in their unit, friendly fire, or civilian deaths. Other Veterans may feel guilt because of events that happened outside of the military. Veterans may also experience survivor guilt.

What gifts do veterans like?

The Best Veterans Day Gifts to Add to Your Cart
  • A Thank You Coin. One of the simplest Veterans Day gift ideas that can go a long way is a Thank You coin. ...
  • A Travel Tumbler. ...
  • A Freedom Cap. ...
  • A Patriotic Shirt. ...
  • A Decorative Wall Sign. ...
  • A Stainless Steel Watch. ...
  • A Box of Cigars. ...
  • A Whiskey Decanter Set.


What are 15 things veterans want you to know?

  • 15 Things Veterans Want You to Know.
  • 15 Things that Veterans want YOU to Know:
  • We are not all soldiers. ...
  • Reserves are part of the military. ...
  • Not everyone in the military is infantry (in tanks, on patrol, etc.) ...
  • Military has leaders at every level in the chain of command.
  • Military is always on duty.


What do veterans struggle with the most?

There are many challenges that veterans face after they leave the military.
  • Unemployment. Many veterans struggle to find work after they return home. ...
  • Relationship with Themselves. Veterans do a noble thing by serving their country. ...
  • Homelessness. ...
  • Physical Handicaps. ...
  • Poor Mental Health.


Who drops the salute first?

As a rule of thumb, a salute should be initiated by the junior member, a verbal greeting exchanged by both members, with a return salute by the senior member. This action occurs very quickly, usually within a distance of six paces.