A citizen worth serving for.
Thank you for your service. That is the standard. A firm handshake, and a look in the eyes. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that. I hear a lot of people ask the question, well, how else am I supposed to say thank you to those who gave so much for us? That is a really good question. I have a unique perspective in the fact that I never served, but I work with military veterans and active soldiers every day. My father is a combat veteran, his dad is a combat veteran, and his dad is a combat veteran. There has always been a little insecurity for me in my job because of the fact that I never served. I ask myself every day how I can show my appreciation for our veterans and active soldiers without coming off as insincere.
Service to your country is one of the greatest commitments someone can make. Willingly signing your name on the dotted line knowing there might be a chance you lay your life down protecting your country. Knowing that with that commitment may come missed holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, and first steps. Knowing that commitment may cause a strain on your relationship with your spouse. Knowing that with that commitment may come physical, and mental issues once your service is complete. How do you thank someone who so willingly sacrifices all of these things?
Donating money and time to the countless organizations and non-profits that serve veterans is great. Buying a meal for a veteran, when you see them is awesome. Being willing and available to go the extra mile and be civically engaged during Veterans Day, Memorial Day, Armed Forces Day, etc. is another great way to show thanks and support.
Here is what I have learned from working with hundreds of veterans over the past five years. If you really want to thank a veteran for their service, be a citizen worth serving for. To me, a citizen worth serving for has an undying love and passion for their country, regardless of their political viewpoints. They keep a broad perspective of how lucky we are to live in a country where we can voluntarily choose military service, and thankful we have so many willing to volunteer. They are willing to live a life by a code of ethics that is instilled in service members. The Army code of ethics is a great guide for a life a civilian can live that would make any veteran proud.
LOYALTY
A citizen worth serving for is one who supports their troops, and leadership, and stands up for their country and everyone in it.
DUTY
A citizen worth serving for fulfills their obligations. Doing your duty means more than carrying out your assigned tasks. It means going above and beyond for yourself and others because you live in a country where you are free to do so.
RESPECT
A citizen worth serving for treats people as they should be treated. Treat others with dignity and respect regardless of how they view the world, while expecting others to do the same. Respect is what allows us to appreciate the best in other people. Self-respect is knowing you have put forth your best effort.
SELFLESS SERVICE
A citizen worth serving for is a selfless servant. You go above and beyond for your fellow countrymen and women without thought of recognition or gain. You take the time and effort to be actively engaged in your local community to make it a better place, not for accolades.
HONOR
A citizen worth serving for has honor. Honor is a matter of carrying out, acting, and living the values of respect, duty, loyalty, selfless service, integrity and personal courage in everything you do.
INTEGRITY
A citizen worth serving for has integrity. They do what’s right, legally and morally even when no one is looking.
PERSONAL COURAGE
A citizen worth serving for has personal courage. They do what is right, even if they are scared. Facing moral fear or adversity may be a long, slow process of continuing forward on the right path, especially if taking those actions is not popular with others.
