Maybe this has happened to you-a complete stranger leaves a prepaid coffee card at the Starbucks counter with instructions for the Barista to give it to anyone in uniform. Or maybe someone just approached you and said thanks for your service. These random acts of kindness have happened to me many times since 9-11 and I’m sure they’ve been repeated for our vets all over the country as well. It’s good to know there are people who are willing to make gestures of goodwill for the troops and appreciate what we do.
This certainly isn’t a bad thing, but I feel like I’m robbing my father’s generation of the gratitude that everyone who serves their country should know at least once. Contrary to the current public support of the military in America, my dad received the exact opposite when he returned from both tours of Vietnam. He received no adulation, no praise, no ‘thanks for your service,” and certainly no free cups of coffee. Yet he never wavered on his decision to join, despite the obvious confusion he felt at being ostracized by the people he swore to protect. Rather than be the exception, today’s wave of patriotism should be the norm and the Vietnam era’s apathy should be the lone moment in time where our veterans were not given the respect they deserve.
I now try to return the favor and go out of my way to pat a vet on the shoulder when I spot one in airports or restaurants. If people really feel the need to do something for the troops, thank an older vet for his service. Or leave a prepaid coffee card at the Starbucks counter for the next Vietnam vet that comes along. It’s long overdue.
how sweet-I try to thank vets also
I’m with you, Kelly. Had 2 older cousins who were in VietNam, so since the thank-a-vet movement has been going on, I’ve been thanking our older vets. Some of them have even cried — makes my heart ache to know that a strong man who can face combat can be brought to tears by the words, “Thank you for serving our country.”
Well said sir. Serving in Iraq, I often wondering how it must have felt for my father serving during the Vietnam era. They are the ones who are long overdue for a show of gratitude.
I was having a bite at Taco Cabana yesterday and noticed that a man that was wearing a Vietnam Vet hat. Just before I walked out the door to get back to my car I turned, walked over to him. “Excuse me sir, but I noticed the hat. I wanted to say ‘thank you for your service’ and, if no one has said it, ‘welcome home.” I know I get a little uncomfortable when I’m in uniform and people say that sort of stuff as I don’t know how to react, so as soon as I was done, I shook his hand and headed out the door.
Starbucks? Ouch! What the hell Kelly?? Send me your Dad’s address and I’ll make sure to send him a free bag of Sniper’s Brew and a personalized Thank You!
Semper Fi, Hank
I like Hank alot!