Responding to 'Thank You for Your Service'

Although it was a long time ago and I very rarely mention my past military service, I still sometimes receive thanks for it on such occasions as Veterans Day. Although I remember feeling vaguely unsure of how to reply the first few times, I ended up landing on Thanks for your support as my default reply.

Apparently, I wasn't alone. Advice columnist Annie Lane fielded the question once, and gave a gracious reply that further prompted other veterans to offer their thoughts and suggestions.

Annie Lane's first reply follows. I especially like the last sentence.

Image by Ben White, via Unsplash, license.

First and foremost, I want to say thank you for your service. Take a moment to let that gratitude sink in. Think about why they're saying "thank you"; it's because you made immense sacrifices and put your life on the line for your country. That's something for which we are all deeply grateful.

One meaningful way to respond could be to acknowledge your fellow veterans. You might say, "It was an honor to serve alongside such brave men and women." This not only accepts the gratitude but also highlights the shared bond of those who served with you.

If you feel that the person's comment is especially sincere, you could respond with something like, "Thank you, I really appreciate you recognizing my service." This can create a more genuine connection and reflect how much their acknowledgment means to you.

Ultimately, your response should be whatever feels right and authentic to you but know that their gratitude is heartfelt and well-deserved.

The second letter includes other possibilities, including the usual short answer I eventually settled on.

The question can seem a little tricky for those of us whose convictions adhere to or are influenced by the thinking of Ayn Rand, since we regard selfishness as the virtue motivating our decision to defend American freedom -- while, colloquially, many or most people will call it selfless, a sacrifice, or the like.

The key here, I think, is to remember that the place of goodwill this is coming from is more important than the exact words. This is why I like my short reply: It acknowledges the gratitude without offering lip service to bad philosophical ideas or obligating oneself to engage in a deeper conversation that the other person probably isn't interested in. At the same time, it is courteous and leaves the door open to keep talking, if doing so for whatever reason and at whatever level makes sense.

-- CAV