The point is that OTHER PEOPLE may choose to address or refer to a veteran by his or her past military rank, these being free countries, but the veteran should not claim it as a continuing status once released, discharged, demobilized, retired, or otherwise returned to Civvy Street.

To do so is a social gaffe, not a crime or misdemeanour, unless the veteran is seeking a benefit due only to those still serving, such as the ten percent discount at Canadian Tire. That’s a Criminal Code offence popularly known as fraud.

Soldiering (also naval sailoring and military aviating) is a young person’s game, and it behooves us old sweats to get out of the way and let our juniors proceed with remaking the services their way, just as we did in our time.

Of course it’s flattering when civilians are impressed that we made the effort to stick our necks out back in the day, but we should not go about fishing for compliments. Nothing makes me cringe like « Thank you for your service », although I know it comes from a good place. My husband, with more than 30 years’ service and three operational tours, hates it even more.

We were professionals, after all, not conscripts.

It’s thanks enough that the provincial Ministry of Transport issues special licence plates for veterans, and some municipalities — including ours — let bearers park for free.