Uniform .. thank you for your service

[Mudball]

Was standing to register for a vaccine jab this morning. The lady at my desk was going thru the 'What is ur DOB, First name' etc. My ear perked when the lady at the other desk started the same set of question with 'Thank you for your service, may i have your DoB.. ". Turned around to see a young fellow in his military fatigues. We dont get may in town, but there are barracks about 30 mins drive away.. As I was waiting, another guy turned up in fatigues and she did the same 'Thank you for your service.. may I .. ".

The Americans are very pro-military and there is a fair bit of chest beating/flag waving when you see someone in uniform. We dont seem to do enough of it here. Not a very british thing? Maybe BoJo's 'flag in every interview' approach may change that.

Good thing or an unwelcome import?

 

[AmandaJR]

100% good for me.

Recently volunteered and trained as a mentor for SSAFA. Our serving and ex-servicemen and women deserve our praise, recognition and time...imo.

 

[Rooter]

Of course it's a good thing! Anyone that devotes their life to protecting others (whether military, police, medicine, Fire, coastguard/rnli etc etc etc) gets my respect and I think small gestures like your lady did today would be well received I think!

 

[Orikoru]

Of course it's a good thing! Anyone that devotes their life to protecting others (whether military, police, medicine, Fire, coastguard/rnli etc etc etc) gets my respect and I think small gestures like your lady did today would be well received I think!

No one ever says 'thank you for your service' to a policeman though do they? Or to a nurse, prior to the famous Thursday night clap anyway.

 

[Rooter]

No one ever says 'thank you for your service' to a policeman though do they? Or to a nurse, prior to the famous Thursday night clap anyway.

When I have been directly involved with either I have. Maybe wouldn't go up to a bobby on the beat and say thanks mate though...

 

[AmandaJR]

No one ever says 'thank you for your service' to a policeman though do they? Or to a nurse, prior to the famous Thursday night clap anyway.

I think the military training and then being posted to pretty much anywhere in the world where there's conflict (or not...) sets them aside from police officers...again imo.

 

[Sats]

The only time I've ever really been given praise by the public was during 7/7 and the riots.

The thank you for your service is an American thing.

 

[IanM]

I work in a place with lots of ex service folk on the payroll.

They are worthy of our respect. The use of language is up to you.

 

[Lord Tyrion]

It is an Americanism that makes me cringe. I'm hoping it doesn't take root here.

Crack on if you like it but not for me.

 

[Deleted member 16999]

Never asked for it, had it said to me a few times whilst serving, got to be honest, made me feel uncomfortable, but if someone does/did it then I thanked them, manners and politeness cost nothing.

 

[Deleted member 15344]

It’s something that happens a lot in many countries- unfortunately there seems to be the opposite in this country with many dismissive of people who have served in the military - for me a lot of that comes from the recent conflicts and the UKs attitude to that. I never did the job for thanks or rewards but at times I at least expected people to be respectful of others who decided to pursue a career protecting others

 

[Deleted member 15344]

Maybe let’s not get into a discussion about the politics and issues in N Ireland over the past 50 plus years - it’s a very sensitive topic that will never end well

 

[srixon 1]

Back in the 70/80 there were Portsmouth locals that would quite happily go out of their way to beat up sailors that were stationed there.

 

[Val]

Always said this country was quick to lock our military. Doesn't seem that long it was unwise to wear uniform in public.

Costs nothing to be civil, costs nothing to say thanks. Many welcome it and puff the chest out and others will say thanks and stick the head down.

 

[PhilTheFragger]

Any further "discussions" of the Armed Forces in Northern Ireland will be met with infractions

It is too political, too sensitive and it always ends badly, so im stamping on it now

 

[Mudball]

I am assuming, we will never see these advts on our shore.. but i wont be surprised if they did

 

[Doon frae Troon]

I recall the crowds at Wootton Bassett paying their respect in a quiet dignified manner.
That's they way it is done in the UK.
Coming from the heart.

 

[Deleted member 16999]

I recall the crowds at Wootton Bassett paying their respect in a quiet dignified manner.
That's they way it is done in the UK.
Coming from the heart.

Nope, one is paying respect for those who have given their life, the other is for those still living.

 

[Crazyface]

Was standing to register for a vaccine jab this morning. The lady at my desk was going thru the 'What is ur DOB, First name' etc. My ear perked when the lady at the other desk started the same set of question with 'Thank you for your service, may i have your DoB.. ". Turned around to see a young fellow in his military fatigues. We dont get may in town, but there are barracks about 30 mins drive away.. As I was waiting, another guy turned up in fatigues and she did the same 'Thank you for your service.. may I .. ".

The Americans are very pro-military and there is a fair bit of chest beating/flag waving when you see someone in uniform. We dont seem to do enough of it here. Not a very british thing? Maybe BoJo's 'flag in every interview' approach may change that.

Good thing or an unwelcome import?

Excellent idea. I've been to the USA a few times and love the way they support all their service men and women, getting them to stand and get a massive cheer from the people in attendance. Almost every event I've been to! We should do the same!!!!!

I also love the way more England flags are being flown on ever increasing flag poles. My lad has put one up at his new house. I'm thinking of doing the same.

 

[DanFST]

Can't stand it.

Have lots of friends that serve/have moved on. It's a good, stable career choice that opens up a lot of options after. That does not make you a hero.