As a marine veteran, with a Johnny Unitus haircut, when people thank me for my service, I usually reply, “It’s the least I could do for a Country that afforded my father and grandfather the opportunity to succeed and flourish. ”
Now that I’m a father and grandfather, I worry about their opportunities to do the same.
I have to admit it does sting when someone says the country has gone down the sh!tter or they are ashamed of her. My reply is, “It’s not the country. It’s the political parties, politicians, local officials, and complacent people that let it get that way.”
That being said, if you want to thank a veteran, the best way is to fight for your country, arm yourself with The Constitution, and Bill of Rights. Hold elected officials accountable for their actions, exercise your civic duty, and “vote the bastards out.”
If you do all these things, it will be I who thanks you for your service. God bless you.