Veterans only please (active military, retired, etc.), how can we show our thanks?

[Word Girl]

Thanks for your service and sacrifice. What are some things that we can do to show our appreciation? Examples of things that people have done/said that made you feel appreciated?
Wow. Keep 'em coming. Just hearing what all of you have done--families, too-- is pretty humbling.
Annicka W--You didn't spell it wrong at all and you're a heck of a writer for a 13 yr old!

[the answer man]

a simple thanks you is quite nice always i am a ret LT COL USMC retired last year after service in several combat areas. i did one tour in Kuwait, one in Afghanistan and two in Iraq...yes I'm kind of old...lol...i have 3 purple hearts and one silver star also a citation for meritorious service under fire...and the thing that meant the most to me was just being told thank you....of course i agree with the person who said go ahead and take out a few war protesters...id give a medal or two for that...lol...and if any of the fine ladies fell like makin love to a crotchety old marine...well who knows....lol anyway that's all we really want thanks you and of course if you know of someone who's family member gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country by all means support and love them to the best of your ability they deserve it the most...god bless you and god bless America!!!!

[Rawbert]

I always feel weired when people say thank you to me in person. I always felt I didn't do enough, that my job wasn't completed.
But I feel that celebrating Veterans day by helping out organizations or supporting Veteran parades, etc... would be better (I hate stores that have these Veteran day sales that do nothing but make them money)

[mrsbratt]

I am not a veteran, but my husband is. Every time we are in public and a random stranger comes up, shakes his hand, and thanks him for his service (evident by the high and tight and the usual USMC t-shirt), the look on his face is priceless. That is all the thanks he needs. He doesn't expect anything extra aside from the obvious - family being taken care of if anything should happen.

[John S]

a simple thank you is sufficient.

not interfering with our missions would be great.

and if you manage to take out a few anti-war protesters, i'll give you a metal.