During the Global War on Terrorism, the phrase, “Thank you for your service” became the default expression of gratitude for American civilians to show their appreciation and admiration for service members and veterans.

As for me, I grew up thanking veterans for all they do to keep us safe and now I’ve used the phrase countless times.

But — gulp — apparently, I’ve been screwing up?

A recent survey sponsored by USAA, the financial firm whose corporate roots trace to selling insurance to military officers, found that nearly 70% of younger service members and veterans feel uncomfortable and awkward when people tell them, “Thank you for your service.”

“This data shows that military service members and our veterans want Americans to go beyond small talk to connect with them on a deeper level, including learning more about their service, honoring each veteran’s service in ways in which they feel comfortable talking about it,” retired Army Maj. Gen. Robert F. Whittle, Jr., SVP, chief of staff at USAA, said in a news release.

Shoot, I only ever meant to be respectful and appreciative.

Sigh.

The question naturally arises: If younger, current and former service members do not want to be thanked for their service, how else can we, the American public, express appreciation for their sacrifices to keep the country safe?

Rep. Dan Crenshaw, R-Texas, a retired Navy SEAL who was wounded in Afghanistan, made one suggestion during his November 2018 appearance on Saturday Night Live, which aired shortly before Veterans Day that year.

“Tell a veteran, ‘Never forget,'” Crenshaw said. “When you say, ‘Never forget,’ to a veteran, you are implying that as an American you are in it with them — not separated by some imaginary barrier between civilians and veterans, but connected together as grateful fellow Americans, who will never forget the sacrifices made by veterans past and present.

All I can say is, I for one, couldn’t be more grateful to any and every member of our armed services, as well as those who have dedicated their own lives to protect the greater good, such as police officers and firefighters. They are my heroes dot com, a’ight?

If you disagree, that’s fine. But I will be forced to ask you to leave the planet ASAP, capisce?

Kimerer is a columnist whose gratitude toward military members and safety officers is legendary. Tell her your thoughts about America’s heroes at pkimerer@zoominternet.net.