How to say, "Thank you for your service"
On Veterans Day we hear lots of "Thank you's for your service." The Nation took a step in the right direction when "Thank you for your service," began taking hold years ago. However, now ... sometimes ... "Thank you for your service" rings hollow when some veterans hear this. It is time to take "Thank you for your service" to greater depths. Let's don't let "Thank you for your service," become America's next "Let's do lunch." Words are easy to say; actions speak louder words. Therefore, perhaps we need to act differently when trying to express a "Thank you for your service." Veterans Day offers an opportunity to evolve our conveyance to veterans (and service members) of our gratitude, honor and respect they deserve that the simple, "Thank you for your service" often no longer accomplishes.
Let's look at the spirit of Veterans Day to help us reset our "Thank you for your service": November 11th is always the day honoring armed service veterans. The official legal holiday forever remains on November 11, even when it falls on a Saturday or Sunday--when that happens, organizations that formally observe the holiday are often closed on the adjacent Friday or Monday; however, those organizations and people effected should be mindful that the holiday date does not change.
Let's look at the spirit of Veterans Day to help us reset our "Thank you for your service": November 11th is always the day honoring armed service veterans. The official legal holiday forever remains on November 11, even when it falls on a Saturday or Sunday--when that happens, organizations that formally observe the holiday are often closed on the adjacent Friday or Monday; however, those organizations and people effected should be mindful that the holiday date does not change.
On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, in 1918, the world celebrated peace. That moment commemorated an end to "The Great War" which took the lives of nearly a generation of men (as well as many civilians). The day would begin the recognition of World War I veterans.
 | |
| TOP Veteran -- Before, 1971 |
Veterans have served our Nation, with intention and readiness to give all if called to do so. Every Soldier, Sailor, Airman, Marine, and Coast Guardsman, no matter their job, has earned our lasting gratitude. They have shouldered America’s National Security responsibilities, while the rest us enjoy our freedom and way of life. Veterans Day is especially sensitive to living veterans who served during conflict and those who retire after a lengthy service.
 |
| TOP Veteran -- After |
They were soldiers years ago; today they are veterans. Our veterans no longer "live to fight another day;” on this Veterans Day we wish them to "live to enjoy another day."
Veterans Day began as a day of peace; honoring World War I veterans who made that possible. 96 years later, we continue to appreciate veterans who make our freedoms possible. Every November 11th, we renew our pledge to never take our veteran's service for granted. It is important to say this while they are still with us: "Thank you for your service," with feeling ... gratitude ... respect ... honor! Perhaps it is time to act and say it differently--let your heart out and express what your heart feels to the veterans in your life.
On behalf of TOP (Tours Of Peace) Vietnam Veterans, to all veterans: We are honored to have you in our lives; as well, we acknowledge the honor in which you served. We respect your service ... your sacrifices. No matter what you did, please do not minimize your service--we appreciate every branch of service and every job served--during peace and war! Your service has made a difference. We are so grateful for your devoting a part of your life to doing a job that we know you intended on helping to make us safe--sometimes serving your country on the edge of danger, and, often in face-to-face danger. We are filled with appreciation for what you did ... respect for every moment you spent away from your life, family and friends, serving your country ... and are honored that you have been a part of all of our lives whether we have personally known you or not. Our treasured veterans please accept this heartfelt--thank you for your service!
On behalf of TOP (Tours Of Peace) Vietnam Veterans, to all veterans: We are honored to have you in our lives; as well, we acknowledge the honor in which you served. We respect your service ... your sacrifices. No matter what you did, please do not minimize your service--we appreciate every branch of service and every job served--during peace and war! Your service has made a difference. We are so grateful for your devoting a part of your life to doing a job that we know you intended on helping to make us safe--sometimes serving your country on the edge of danger, and, often in face-to-face danger. We are filled with appreciation for what you did ... respect for every moment you spent away from your life, family and friends, serving your country ... and are honored that you have been a part of all of our lives whether we have personally known you or not. Our treasured veterans please accept this heartfelt--thank you for your service!
 | |
| TOP Veteran -- Still Courageously Serving 44 years Later |
