A majority of younger veterans said they feel uncomfortable when they are told “thank you for your service,” a new poll found.

Ahead of Veterans Day on Saturday, a survey found disparities between young military members and their older counterparts in how they prefer to be recognized for their service.

Among younger military members and veterans — age 18 to 29 — 70 percent said they feel uncomfortable or awkward when they are thanked for their service. Only 24 percent of older members, 65 years and up, say the same, the Endeavor Analytics and YouGov poll found.

“This data shows that military service members and our veterans want Americans to go beyond small talk to connect with them on a deeper level, including learning more about their service, honoring each veteran’s service in ways in which they feel comfortable talking about it,” Robert F. Whittle Jr., retired Army major general and United Services Automobile Association (USAA) chief of staff, said in a statement.

  • ZombiFrancis
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    1 year ago

    Then there’s all the boots wearing full fatigues plus hat buying a rotisserie chicken at the grocery store.

    Though I live near a base so I guess that just comes with the territory. And most of the time they ain’t vets yet from what I can tell with my civvie ass having eyes.

    • Echo Dot@feddit.uk
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      1 year ago

      I know someone in the military and he brings it up at every possible opportunity. He’s not even combat trained, he’s in logistics.

    • Maggoty@lemmy.world
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      1 year ago

      Yeah at a certain point you’re just literally seeing active duty service members getting dinner on their way home for the day.