Do You Tell Active Military "Happy Veterans Day"?
Contents
Introduction
Veterans Day is a significant holiday in the United States, honoring the sacrifices and service of military personnel who have served in the United States Armed Forces. However, there is a common debate among civilians about whether to extend greetings to active military personnel on Veterans Day. In this article, we will explore the question, "Do you tell active military ‘Happy Veterans Day’?"
Why Some Say No
Some people argue that it’s inappropriate to wish active military personnel "Happy Veterans Day" because they are still serving and haven’t yet become veterans. This perspective holds that the term "veteran" implies completion of military service, and therefore, active military personnel are not yet eligible for the designation.
Pros:
- Focus on the sacrifices of those who have completed their service
- Avoid confusion between active and retired military personnel
- Emphasize the distinction between serving and being a veteran
Why Some Say Yes
On the other hand, others believe that it’s perfectly fine to wish active military personnel "Happy Veterans Day." They argue that the holiday is intended to honor the service and sacrifices of all military personnel, regardless of their current status.
Cons:
- Recognize the service and sacrifices of active military personnel
- Include all military personnel in the celebration, not just retirees
- Show appreciation for the hard work and dedication of active service members
What Do the Military Themselves Think?
To get a better understanding of the sentiment among active military personnel, we can look at some survey results. A 2019 survey conducted by the Military Times found that:
- 64% of active-duty troops believe that it’s okay to say "Happy Veterans Day" to active-duty personnel
- 26% said it’s not okay, and 10% were unsure
Another survey conducted by the Pew Research Center in 2018 found that:
- 54% of Americans believed that it’s okay to wish active-duty military personnel "Happy Veterans Day"
- 36% disagreed, and 10% were unsure
Best Practices for Greeting Active Military Personnel on Veterans Day
If you do choose to greet active military personnel on Veterans Day, here are some best practices to keep in mind:
- Use respectful language: Instead of "Happy Veterans Day," you could say "Thank you for your service" or "Appreciate your sacrifice."
- Don’t assume they’re a veteran: Be aware that some active military personnel may not be veterans yet, and avoid making assumptions.
- Be considerate of their feelings: If someone is uncomfortable with the greeting, respect their wishes and move on.
- Include all military personnel: Don’t forget to include National Guard and Reserve personnel, as well as veterans, in your acknowledgments.
Conclusion
Ultimately, whether or not to wish active military personnel "Happy Veterans Day" is a matter of personal preference. While some may argue that it’s inappropriate, others believe it’s a way to show appreciation for their service. By understanding the perspectives of both sides and being respectful in our language and actions, we can honor the sacrifices of all military personnel, whether active or retired.
Table: Survey Results
Survey | Yes (OK to say "Happy Veterans Day") | No (Not OK to say "Happy Veterans Day") | Unsure |
---|---|---|---|
Military Times (2019) | 64% | 26% | 10% |
Pew Research Center (2018) | 54% | 36% | 10% |
Bullets:
- Respectful language: "Thank you for your service" or "Appreciate your sacrifice"
- Be aware of assumptions: Don’t assume someone is a veteran
- Considerate of feelings: Respect if someone is uncomfortable with the greeting
- Include all military personnel: National Guard, Reserve, and veterans