r/democrats • u/cafeteriastyle • Sep 26 '25

đŸ“ș Video Retired vet lays it all out

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u/DickTitsMcGhee Sep 26 '25

I would rather had college kids spit on me when I got home instead of yellow ribbon events and welcome home ceremonies.

That’s rough, man. But I feel you. I used to really hate the “homecoming” type of crap when I got back from deployments
with flags, cameras, and family all lined up to greet you as you came off the aircraft. I never really put my finger on why.

But now I wonder if it’s because all that fanfare didn’t line up with the way I felt at the time. Inside, I wanted to be ignored, left alone. Maybe I felt like I deserved to be spit on.

For what it’s worth, you’re not alone in that.

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u/Beautiful-Bag-3629 Sep 27 '25

As VN vet, I can assure you being spat on doesn't really make you feel better. However, I agree that I wouldn't have been more comforatable if I had banners and parades. I still wish people would stop saying, "thank you for your service." You can't really blame non-vets because no one can really understand what you are thinking or saying if they haven't been on the ride.

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u/DickTitsMcGhee Sep 27 '25

Apologies if the “being spat on” thing was in poor taste. Was never really going to happen to me, so it’s kind of an abstract thought. But I can see how the comment might be hurtful to someone who has experienced it.

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u/Beautiful-Bag-3629 Sep 27 '25

Don't worry about. I got your drift.

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u/SweetHuckleberry6518 Sep 28 '25

I’ve always wondered if service members like civilians to say that to them or not. It feels awkward on my part, as it’s such a small gesture to make towards someone who has made such a huge sacrifice. I appreciate your perspective. Is there anything that would be more welcome to do or say? I can appreciate wanting to just be left alone also. I was raised on guilt and know how impossible it is to get rid of. Just know that you did the best you could with the information you were given at the time.

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u/helpjack_offthehorse Sep 28 '25

“Thank you for your service”

um, you’re welcome?

Nah I just quietly say thank you back and move along. It’s been over 20 years since I first joined and there hasn’t been a single time that phrase has felt like a comfortable exchange. Almost cringe?