7 Meaningful Ways To Go Beyond 'Thank You For Your Service' In 2025

The phrase "Thank you for your service" (TYFYS) has become a cultural mantra in the United States, a ubiquitous, almost reflexive gesture of gratitude toward military personnel and veterans. However, as of late 2025, a growing body of research and veteran testimony suggests this well-intentioned phrase often falls short, sometimes even creating a deeper chasm between the military and civilian worlds.

While the sentiment behind the words is almost universally appreciated, the phrase itself has been criticized as being "easy lip service" that allows the speaker to feel good without engaging in the deeper issues facing the veteran community, such as mental wellness, transition support, and the civilian-military divide. This article explores the evolving context of TYFYS and provides actionable, current alternatives for expressing truly meaningful appreciation.

The Evolving Context: Why 'Thank You for Your Service' Isn't Enough

The rise of "Thank you for your service" as a national greeting is a relatively modern phenomenon, largely emerging in the post-9/11 era. It is seen by many sociologists as a pendulum swing—a cultural correction from the disrespect and neglect faced by Vietnam veterans upon their return.

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However, this new mantra has created its own set of problems. For many veterans, the phrase feels hollow or disingenuous, a convenient way for civilians to acknowledge their service without needing to understand the complexities, sacrifices, or psychological toll of that experience.

The Psychological and Social Impact of TYFYS

The civilian-military divide is a significant social issue, and TYFYS is often cited as a symptom of it. When a veteran hears the phrase, it can sometimes feel like a conversation-stopper rather than a conversation-starter. It places a neat, tidy bow on a complex, often traumatic experience, which can exacerbate feelings of alienation.

• Guilt and Disconnect: Some veterans feel the phrase is a way for civilians to "massage away some of the guilt" for not serving themselves, creating an emotional distance rather than a connection.
• Emotional Labor: The veteran is often required to perform "emotion work"—to smile, nod, and accept the thanks, even if they feel uncomfortable, to satisfy the civilian’s need to express gratitude.
• Ignoring Real Issues: Critics argue that the phrase pays lip service to appreciation while ignoring the very real issues of PTSD, homelessness, and inadequate healthcare faced by many who served.

7 Meaningful Alternatives to Express Genuine Gratitude

True appreciation for a veteran’s service moves beyond a simple, scripted phrase. It requires authenticity, a willingness to engage, and a focus on action. Here are seven current and actionable ways to express meaningful gratitude to veterans and active-duty service members in 2025.

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1. Offer Specific, Contextual Thanks

Instead of a generic phrase, try to be more specific if you know the context of their service. If you don't know the context, you can still make your thanks more personal. This shifts the interaction from a reflexive greeting to a genuine moment of recognition.

What to Say Instead:

• "I appreciate the sacrifices your family made while you were deployed."
• "I'm grateful for your dedication to our country's security."
• "Welcome home. I hope your transition is going smoothly." (This is especially impactful for recently returned service members).

2. Ask a Genuine Question (But Be Prepared to Listen)

The goal is to bridge the civilian-military divide. A sincere question shows you are interested in *them* as a person, not just as a symbol of service. However, be mindful of their comfort level; if they seem hesitant, drop the topic immediately.

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What to Ask Instead:

• "What did you do after you left the military?"
• "What was the most rewarding part of your service?"
• "What's one thing you wish more civilians understood about military life?"

3. Support Veteran-Owned Businesses

One of the most powerful forms of support is economic. By intentionally seeking out and supporting businesses owned by veterans, you are providing tangible, long-term assistance that helps with job creation and financial stability post-service.

Actionable Steps: Look for the "Veteran-Owned Business" label on products or search online directories for local veteran entrepreneurs. This is a form of gratitude that shows you value their continued contribution to the economy.

4. Volunteer Your Time for a Veteran Cause

Instead of just speaking words, use your time and energy. Volunteering for organizations that directly assist veterans—especially those focused on mental health, job placement, or housing—is a concrete expression of gratitude.

Entities to Support: Look for local chapters of organizations like the Wounded Warrior Project, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), or local non-profits focused on veteran transition services. This is a powerful way to support the *Wounded Warriors* community.

5. Write a Personal, Handwritten Note

In the digital age, a handwritten note stands out. This is a simple, low-cost action that can have a significant emotional impact. It shows you took time out of your day for a personal gesture of appreciation.

Tip: You can send notes through organizations that coordinate care packages or connect with local VA hospitals to see if they have a card-writing program for hospitalized veterans.

6. Advocate for Better Veteran Benefits and Legislation

Some lawmakers have recently pushed for a resolution to replace the phrase with "thank you for our freedom," but a more impactful action is supporting policies that truly help veterans.

Actionable Steps:

• Contact your representatives to advocate for improved mental health services and timely disability claims processing for veterans.
• Support grants and funding for first responders and veterans' organizations in your community.

7. Acknowledge the Service of First Responders

While the phrase is primarily directed at the military, the spirit of "service" extends to police, firefighters, and paramedics. Acknowledging their commitment is a broader way to show gratitude for public servants.

What to Say: "Thank you for keeping our community safe," or "I appreciate your commitment to public safety." This expands the concept of *gratitude* beyond the military alone.

Moving Forward with Authentic Appreciation

The conversation around "thank you for your service" is not about banning the phrase, but about deepening the meaning behind it. For those who use it sincerely, it is a kind and respectful gesture. However, for those seeking to truly bridge the *military-civilian divide* and offer substantive support, the focus must shift from a simple verbal exchange to meaningful, consistent action.

Whether it’s during *Military Appreciation Month*, on *Veterans Day*, or any day of the year, the highest form of appreciation is to ensure that the men and women who served—the *veterans* and *active-duty service members*—have the support, resources, and understanding they need to thrive in civilian life. The future of *veteran appreciation* is not in what we say, but in what we do.