Be sure to follow the rule before you head out.
Rule: You must post before you leave.
It's always awkward to respond to it, too. Like, my service sucked. Don't thank me because I was poor and needed a job and healthcare, lol. Most of the people I was in didn't give a shit about patriotism. We just wanted to not starve to death and go to college.
I've heard it's Schrodinger's virtue signaling. Most military guys get annoyed, but then when you don't virtue signal, it just happens to be the one guy who actually enjoys it and gets upset that you didn't say, "thanks for your service".
That's why you shouldn't thank them for their service with mere words, but with song. A rousing round of God Bless America sung by the entire room is how you properly thank service members. Remind everyone in the audience that if they don't join in, it's because they hate America.
The suicide rate is already high enough don't sing at them
Well now that I know this I'm going to thank military veterans at work on the daily.
Also I think I might thank my dog's veterinarian, just to see how far up in their head their eyes will roll.
It REALLY fucken does. A-hahahahahaha
I don't believe in wars (don't message me, yes there was a way to end your specific example thru diplomacy. Look it up on google)
Anyway I always go with "I admire you're bravery" because that doesn't go against my beliefs but still shows respect for what they had to do.
(Yes I'm being an idiot, I agree with you)