Since 9/11 I have made it a point to personally thank most military personnel I encounter at airports or wherever. Being a veteran of both the United States Air Force and the U.S. Army I know what it is like not to be appreciated for the sacrifice of serving one's country. Being also a veteran of police and rescue type jobs it always amazed me that so few people show any gratitude for the services I provided and the dangers I endured to protect and/or help them.
Sometimes, when attempting to show my thankfulness to the men and women who serve it was a bit uncomfortable for both of us. Uncomfortable because some don't know how to respond to genuine displays or comments of gratitude or how to humbly accept that heartfelt thankfulness. But every time, without fail, the person being thanked was always very appreciative of the effort and moved by it. I have bought lunches for troops shipping to Iraq or Afghanistan just before they boarded their flight over. What a wonderful and fulfilling experience to share those moments with men and women who are courageously putting on their brave face to go into unknown (for them) experiences and potential danger with the attitude of selflessly serving their country.
Thanks to The Gratitude Campaign and Founder Scott Truitt I now have a simple respectful symbol or sign I can do without worry of making the person feel uncomfortable while acknowledging my gratefulness for their service and sacrifice. Scott Truitt is promoting the use of the American Sign Language for "thank you from the bottom of my heart" as a gesture for random acts of gratitude display. This will facilitate communicating your expression of gratitude without having to stop and start an entire conversation with the individual(s).
Expressing gratefulness to those who serve and protect should not be limited to only the military. We should all be aware of the people who serve in our communities both locally and globally, and take opportunity to let me know we are grateful for their service and sacrifice. Be sure to take a moment and tell someone today, "thank you from the bottom of my heart."
2 comments:
cops and soldiersare puppets on a string.
Their opinion is therefore biased.
Think for yourselve.
Hemaworstje ~ Not sure what your comments have to do with being grateful and appreciative. I am thinking for myself whenever I posted this. No one forced me or even asked me to. No one convinced me and no one prevented me from doing so. Why do some people think that only negative comments, doom and gloom means thinking for one's self? I choose to think positively and constructively to bring about good things and improvements for the lives of all I encounter. Thinking for yourself is a positive thing and something I wholeheartedly endorse and encourage. Cops and Soldiers are servants of the people. They should be treated as such and given the respect and appreciation for their services, especially when rendered unselfishly and willingly.
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