Consider replacing the phrase:
“Thanks for your service”
With:
What do you think about all this?
To me, this would come off as more respectful, thoughtful and meaningful. It could lead to discussions people might learn from.
My reply would be:
Decades after the lessons of Vietnam, it feels like the Pentagon specializes in undeclared/unwon wars. I don’t feel connected to it.
The “Thanks for your service” phrase may have come from some sort of post-Vietnam guilt.
The guilt doesn’t seem to work towards staying out of undeclared/unwon wars.
Related:
The people of Alaska need services in the Middle East
Late 2023 US Armed Forces Recruiting Crisis
Random Thoughts – Recruiting Crisis
Most And Least Meaningful Federal Holidays
Stabilizing the Region – Since Desert Shield
Hostile Forces in Distant Lands
A Draft? – DOD Brand Has Been Wrecked
The country struggles with: