“Thank you for your service,” the couple walking out of the store say to my son as we go in. He says a quick thank you and shies away. He tells me later that it’s appreciation that he feels he hasn’t earned because he has not been deployed to a war zone. I tell him I understand, but maybe he could look at it another way. The thank you is for the decision he made to serve. Where he is sent or what he is asked to do is not up to him. But he, along with so many others, made a commitment not everyone is willing to make. It’s a choice that deserves our gratitude every day.
We’ve talked about this a few times over the years. My husband and I have watched him grow, proud of all he’s accomplished along the way. And still, we hold our breath whenever we hear reports of a unit from his base being deployed.
A few weeks ago we spent time with him off base. When the person checking us in for an event thanked my son for his service, I watched him stand tall and quietly reply “Thank you”.
Many of us downplay or dismiss thanks when offered because we feel we haven’t “earned” it. What would happen if we looked at a thank you as appreciation for what someone sees in us that maybe we haven’t noticed ourselves?
A thank you is simply a gift we can receive in the spirit it’s offered.
To all who have worn the uniform, those wearing it today, and everyone who loves and supports them — thank you.