Service men/women come and go in society but with what recognition?
In the season of New Year's resolutions, we all may want to lose weight or stop drinking soda. But couldn't we make a promise to personally thank every service man/woman we see? In my particular job, I see at least 5 retired military service people a day. They usually wear a hat that reads, "WWII Veteran, Vietnam Veteran, Korea Veteran, and hats with even more recent conflicts.
All of my grandfathers served, even one who served in three conflicts (WWII, Korea, and Vietnam) these people will thank you repeatedly for your appreciation, especially Vietnam veterans. Vietnam veterans are a special case, many were drafted and had no choice but to serve, but when the cam home they were disowned, spit on, and even disrespected by citizens. Today you see these men and women walking in a store, pumping gas, or sitting beside you at a restaurant.
These servicemen/women fought for our freedoms while our lives moved on at home, they put their lives on the line so we could live ours free.
I do not know how most veterans are, but my grandfathers had a hat or two that they would wear, a hat that showed their conflict, or a hat that showed their units. these hats are not a means of bragging. those hats showed their pride, this is no different than college kids wearing a fraternity t-shirt or bumper sticker. it showed pride, pride in who you are, what you've done, or even, what you witnessed.
As you walk down the street this year, make it a point to thank at least one veteran a day, it will significantly improve their day, but you'll even feel better about it too!