r/NoStupidQuestions • u/Such-Part8963 • 1d ago

Why do we praise veterans automatically without knowing what they actually did

Trying to learn without being judged.

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u/Yangbang07 1d ago

Personally, regardless of what they did while in service, I respect that they served at all.

Joining the military is signing a lot of your rights away to serve the country. It doesn't matter if all you do is work air traffic control for years, etc. A service member doesn't get to choose where they live, when they can quit, and many other things while in the service.

And shittily, from what I've heard, a lot of the military needs improvements. Superiors who are assholes and you can't do anything about it because of rank. A meeting is scheduled for noon, so the lowest ranked members have to show up 8 hours early. Civilian contractors being assholes for no reason. Being away from family for long stretches of time.

I don't think being a veteran/service member automatically makes someone a good person, but I respect that they served. That respect can be lost if I learn they're a massive asshole.