What about hearing "never forget?"

I feel that is a bit self-serving in an odd way. Like you want to make sure I know you're concerned. I won't forget who I lost. Who won't you forget? If you just mean in general terms, then it rings hollow to me.

But I think we all have different reactions to these type of things, so just go with your gut if you feel the need to say something. A veteran recommended you say that, another may not be comfortable with it.

I've always Said my pleasure or something close to that as I've never really have known what to say when someone says this. For whatever reason it's kind of awkward for me.

I don't ever reveal i deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan but a friend tagged me on a pic on Facebook and people i work with saw it before i did. So i learned to change my Facebook settings.

I appreciate the sentiment, but it mostly feels perfunctory and PC.

My brother, who also served, and I have a (admittedly very weak) gag routine when we meet:

Me: "Thank you for my service."

Him: "Oh no, thank you for my service."

Related to this. I saw a commercial today from a company that was just a montage of different people saying "thank you for your service" is various ways. It ended with the company saying they support our troops and thanking vets for their service. Can't help but feel that company was just trying to sound good to customers, especially veterans and families since my market is loaded with them. Again, a bit self-serving.

Don't know why I am cynical.

https://www.sbnation.com/platform/amp/2015/11/4/9670302/nfl-paid-patriotism-troops-mcain-flake-report-million

It's just lip service, smile and move on.

CharlieBrown17 said:

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JABQ04 said:

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I just say "Thank you for your support". Personally I hate when someone says this but it's not going to stop so oh well.

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This.

Or appreciate the support

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Unless it's your mother and your smart ass answers "you're welcome for my service"

It usually catches me off guard and I just say, "Thank you".

I too am often caught off guard...
My response typically is that during the years we had a draft those of us whose number came up didn't have much of a choice...

But to follow, the service was very good to me and my family. I chose to make it a career when the AF continued to send me back to A&M for additional classwork several times to continue and complete my education.

Thank you for paying taxes!

Or Coast Guard!!!

My usual response is "You're quite welcome" and sometimes I add, "I did it for the [or your] children"

That's pretty much my response - 'Thanks for paying your taxes'. Usually get a chuckle, but it's a true statement.