Love this! My only kvetch is that the (granted) few ex-military I’ve talked with about the matter hate the “thank you for your service” thing. I wish we had another way to convey what we mean (when we mean it—Larry David isn’t the only one to notice that the utterance is often self-serving bs on behalf of the civilian). Maybe just a “can I shake your hand” might be better.
Thanks! I wonder about this too. I wrote this piece in sincere appreciation for the sacrifice and service of our veterans of all eras, but also as a reminder for those of us non-veterans. "Freedom isn't free" is a cliche because it's true.
Love this! My only kvetch is that the (granted) few ex-military I’ve talked with about the matter hate the “thank you for your service” thing. I wish we had another way to convey what we mean (when we mean it—Larry David isn’t the only one to notice that the utterance is often self-serving bs on behalf of the civilian). Maybe just a “can I shake your hand” might be better.
Thanks! I wonder about this too. I wrote this piece in sincere appreciation for the sacrifice and service of our veterans of all eras, but also as a reminder for those of us non-veterans. "Freedom isn't free" is a cliche because it's true.
Thank you Sheilagh, I wish many people could read this and understand freedom is not just about being free.
Thanks, Dave!