We don't need to be segregated from society; most of us are no different and no more socially damaged than any other adult. The whole thing feels like we need to be labelled so "normal" people can keep a slightly suspicious eye on us. We might go off, you know!
The whole "Thank you for..." bit is just something to say either when you understand so little you have nothing to say or when you feel obligated to say something but in reality you don't want to invest anything.
Sometimes I growl when I get hit with it. Then the person starts in on how sincere they are, "I believe it, not like all those others." Oh, the backpeddling when I say that, if so sincere, why not actually do something tangible. Go help the old guy cut his grass or buy a bag of groceries or something original that actually gives just a little of self if so sincere.
If the civvie culture really gave a remote dam in this country, they'd give veterans who served honourably paid health-care for life. Go to any med facility and send in the bill. Sounds expensive? Well, first off, you can then close down about 80% of the VA; the acres of caseworkers who deny every claim and tell you an appeal can be heard but it will be a couple years of suffering whatever you are suffering until the hearing, all gone. The administrators, all gone. You've never reached inner peace until you've dealt with the VA, all gone. And how many vets are there? Surprisingly its only about 6% of the population of the US.
Otherwise, the intent of the "kindness" shown with the TYFYS banality and nothing more is self-affirmation, getting me to say "You're welcome. I did it for you. You are who matters in this encounter. You made it worthwhile, because you have worth." I avoid the entire situation assiduously, don't wear identifiable clothing, and stay in on Memorial and Veterans Day. I don't want to acknowledge anyone on those terms.
Message Thread 
Back in barracks. - Fred. May 25, 2026, 7:58 am
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