For Those of You Who Appreciate Our Military

[Ray S S]

Greetings, everyone, On the heels of the posts by ron lord and Montana
Jim's a while back; to all of you that signed in, I would like to say thank
you for your Military Service.

I enlisted but because of a medical problem, I was denied entry so I cannot
claim the honor of having served, but my older brothers fought in WW11
and in Korea and I am very proud of them for that.

Our country owes you all so much and I received a timely email just yesterday
that shows us a way to thank a military person when we meet them while
walking.

The following is the email as I received it.

Start using the sign.

This is pretty neat....A 30second video...

Have you ever seen one of our Military walking past you and wanted to
convey to them your Thanks, but were not sure how, or, it felt awkward?

Recently, a gentleman from Seattle created a gesture which could be
used and started a movement to get the word out.

Please everybody, take just a moment to watch....

THE Gratitude Campaign,... and then forward it to all your friends!

Then START USING THE SIGN.

click here

http://www.gratitudecampaign.org/shortmovie.php

[Felinepeachy]

That's very cool Ray, thanks for posting it. Of course, I've been known to just walk up and tell them how proud I am of them and give them a hug

[Ray S S]

Hello, Peachy, I'll bet that would be a pleasant surprise to them. Last spring when
we were up north we were going into a store that had a short entryway with doors
at both side. As we went in, there was a service man with a lady coming out. I
was in the right spot to hold the door open for them and as they passed I thanked him for his service and smiled and nodded my head slightly. He smiled and nodded
in return and I got a real kick out the response from the young lady. She gripped
his arm and smiled proudly at him and said, "See! That is another reason why
I love you so much!" and they kept going.
Ray

[Felinepeachy]

Awwwwww Ray, that's so sweet.

[Dano Sverige]

Hmm...it's a little too close to the traditional muslim greeting "salaam alaikum" in my opinion. Just saying.

[Ray S S]

AAwww, Dano. please don't compare that with this!

Ray

[Dano Sverige]

Lol i'm sorry. I don't mean it nastily, it's just what they do. They touch a hand to forehead,chest and then palm out.

[Ray S S]

OK, Dano, thanks for showing me what you meant. Since this 'thank you'
salute does not touch the forehead, it is different and most people would
know nothing about the other, so there would be no comparison or
connection. Therefore it can be used and accepted as it is meant to be.

Ray

[Michaelangelo]

Whenever I see an older Vet (obvious from the hats they sometimes wear with their service affiliation) I'll go up, shake their hand and thank them for their service. My Dad was a WWII vet and I was very proud of his service so I want other vets to know I appreciate them as well.
I have anonymously paid for many vets meals as well as policemen when I out to eat and see them in the restaurant with their families. I'll ask their waiter to bring me the check and I'll pay it with the condition the waiter doesn't tell them who paid-only that it's from someone who appreciates their service. It's actually kind of fun to watch them survey the crowd trying to figure who picked up the tab and seeing the gratitude on their face.

[Ray S S]

Hello, Michaelangelo, hhmmm, yes. Paying for their meals like that is a wonderful
way to show your thanks, and we know it would be well appreciated and something
they would not forget.

You have a lot of heart, and my hat is off to you for that.

Thank you for a great response.

Ray

[Kentucky Kache]

My son just left for basic. National guard.

[naturegirl]

I was thinking about this at work today. I'm shy, not likely to say much to strangers, and have passed military people, wanted to say something but didn't because that's not how I am socially. DOES not mean I don't appreciate what they do. I could do this, or....just smile and nod....but I like this gesture, it COMES FROM THE HEART...that's what it says to me. It will be something to watch, see if people start doing this..

[Ray S S]

Kentucky Kache, Thank him for me and may God bless him and keep him safe.

Naturegirl, I am glad you see this and will be able to use it. Very good. I hope
it works out well for you.

I thank you both for you good replies.

Ray

[RGINN]

That's dorky, and sorry, not for me. But if it works for some folks, use it. I will just tell you thank you, or shake your hand. Mostly, I just tip my hat and say "How you boys doin? Good job, y'all". In the wrong neighborhood somebody might think you're makin some sort of new age gang signs. Just cowboy up and tell people to their face when you appreciate what they do. And thanks Ray for this post.

[naturegirl]

well if you're a dork and not a cowboy, this works! there's all kinds of communication, I find this intersting because it's not your-of the-mill way of talking, but not everyone is run-of -the mill! I DOn'T think it will catch on , but i'll be watching..

[Kentucky Kache]

Kentucky Kache, Thank him for me and may God bless him and keep him safe.

Ray

Will do. Thanks.

[Ray S S]

Hello, RGINN, Yup, one particular way to say it wouldn't work the best for
everyone. But if this way works good for some, then more power to them
as long as they get the massage across. Thank you for your reply.

Hi, Naturegirl, it depends how well this method gets spread around to
see if it catches on or not. There would probably be lots of folks who
never hear about this. But, I can understand how it would work out good
for some. Also, if your situation does not bring you within speaking distance,
a person might use this method and get your message across visably. I
can see where there might be times when it might be handy to know
this.

But, one thing I now wonder about- would all Service Men understand
what this signal means. LOL.

Ray

[ohioaxeman]

MY view from the other side of the fence! If you just say "Thank you", then I will smile and say "You're very welcome", and I get the chills for knowing I've done the job that I was asked to do!

[Ray S S]

hello. Ohioaxeman, I can see you take pride in what you are doing.
That is great to hear. God bless you and stay safe.

Thank you for your service.

Ray

[ohioaxeman]

hello. Ohioaxeman, I can see you take pride in what you are doing.
That is great to hear. God bless you and stay safe.

Thank you for your service.

Ray