Why do veterans not like to be thanked?

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.


How do veterans feel about 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.

Is it OK to thank a veteran for their service?

It is a day riddled with obligatory "Thank you for your service" statements, most genuine, some less so. I would encourage you today to thank the veterans you meet for their service. After all, in today's military, each and every one of them volunteered to put themselves in harm's way.


Do military people like being thanked for their service?

The poll found that instead of saying the simple thank you, most veterans and service members preferred gratitude that went beyond simple platitudes and that tried to connect with them on a more personal level.

Why you shouldn't 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.


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



Is it rude to tell a soldier thank you for your service?

Acknowledge Veterans for their service by saying a simple: “Thank you for your service.” Whether that's on Facebook, a text message, a phone call, a letter, or an in-person greeting, a basic acknowledgment can go a long way.

Why do veterans not talk about their service?

Veterans also don't share combat details because they fear their family's reaction, specifically rejection or pity. “If they knew what I had to do, what I am capable of, they will think I'm a monster.” Families often share frustration that Veterans are more willing to talk to each other than them.

What should you not say to a veteran?

What Not to Say
  • Don't ask if they've killed anyone. ...
  • Don't tread too gently around vets because you assume everyone has experienced trauma. ...
  • Don't ask them to put difficult experiences behind them. ...
  • Don't snap — even if they snap. ...
  • Don't describe their experience for them.


What to say to a veteran instead of thank you?

God bless and keep our Veterans. Thank you to the veterans and families for your service to our country. Thank you for protecting our freedom by serving our country. May God bless you and your family.

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.

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."


Are veterans possessive?

In the name of the holiday, the word veterans acts as an attributive (and not a possessive) noun, which means that it behaves like an adjective even though it is a noun. We use attributive nouns all the time without realizing it.

What can I say instead of thank you?

Here are seven alternatives to 'thank you. '
  • "I appreciate you."
  • "Let me know if you need anything else."
  • "Couldn't have done it without you."
  • "You made this easy."
  • "You're so helpful."
  • "What do you think?"
  • "I'm impressed!"


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.


What happens to the brain when someone says thank you?

What they found was "that gratitude causes synchronized activation in multiple brain regions, and lights up parts of the brain's reward pathways and the hypothalamus. In short, gratitude can boost neurotransmitter serotonin and activate the brain stem to produce dopamine." Dopamine is our brain's pleasure chemical.

How do people feel when being thanked?

Not only does it feel good, it also helps us build trust and closer bonds with the people around us. These benefits have mostly been observed in a two-person exchange—someone saying thanks and someone receiving thanks.

How do you respect a veteran?

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 say thank you without saying thank you?

Show Your Appreciation With 25 Other Ways To Say “Thank You”
  1. I'm so grateful.
  2. I appreciate it.
  3. Thanks for your hard work on this.
  4. I couldn't have done it without you.
  5. I owe you one.
  6. Much obliged.
  7. Thanks for having my back.
  8. Please accept my deepest gratitude.


Is it OK to wish Happy Veterans Day?

Is It Appropriate To Wish Someone a Happy Veterans Day? Yes! While there might be more creative ways to express gratitude to those who have served in the military, wishing them a happy Veterans Day is more than okay.

What is the biggest problem for veterans?

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.


Should you respect veterans?

Serving in America's Armed Forces is one of the most courageous and selfless decisions citizens of this country can make. It is a decision we should never cease to honor and celebrate.

What do veterans suffer from the most?

The three most common mental health concerns for veterans are Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Learn more about these mental health concerns below. What is PTSD? Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD, is a common mental health disorder among veterans.

Why do veterans push people away?

The sorrow and pain veterans carry can often erupt as anger, and they end up pushing people away because they no longer trust. For veterans with moral injury, the shift back to civilian society and values can become impossible because their moral conscience traps them in solitary mistrust and self-punishing agony.


Why do veterans struggle with relationships?

Problems like stress, posttraumatic stress, health concerns, depression, anxiety, irritability, insomnia, feeling out of place or disconnected, or difficulties with memory may interfere with strong relationships.

Why are veterans lonely?

Physical or mental health issues.

Physical injuries or illnesses, as well as mental health disorders such as depression and PTSD can worsen feelings of isolation, or make it harder for veterans to reach out for help.
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