Are you frequently approached and thanked for your service, or is that more of an American thing?

(former army volunteer) Depends. People don't know you're in the army when you're not in uniform. When you are, they are mostly very polite and respectful. Unless they're drunkards. They salute you ironically.

One time, while on maneuvers in the country, a group of German tourists were on a picnic by their car on the edge of a field. When they saw us, they bolted the hell out of there. I mean max 125% speed. That was... something.

Edit: Just wanted to clear something up - before the edit I wrote I was in the reserve. This is partially a mistranslation and partially a falsehood. I actually served and completed the army volunteer soldier training. I'm technically in the registry as a reserve candidate, but never actually applied.

In Brazil enlistment is mandatory whenever a man reaches 18 years old, actual recruitment is more or less random. I had a friend who didn't want to serve and was recruited anyway, while his brother who did want to serve wasn't.

I was dismissed, but besides that friend I also have my father and grandfather that had to serve. I have never thanked any of them for their service, I'm pretty sure they've never been thanked by anyone else either and, frankly, the very idea of stopping someone and thanking them sounds ridiculous to me and to them.

Being overly patriotic and worshiping the army is very much an American thing.

I don't think thanking the people that defend your country is overly patriotic or worship.

Wanting to defend your country is also an american thing. I wouldn't give a rat's ass about my country. Actually I would welcome it if let's say Germany invaded us and cleaned up the corrupt system. But they aren't interested in conquest nowadays.

We tried recently, but the Slovenian army chased us off.

This went downhill fast. XD

I'm going to start a thread called "Mustard or Ketchup" and put a timer on how long it takes to devolve into a flame war. :P

But the funny thing is, America hasn't been attacked since 1941 Japan made an attack on US owned islands. Ever since when America was at war, the US was the attacker.

In the Netherlands, the last time there was massive saying thank you's to soldiers was in 1944 and 1945 to American, British, Canadian and the Dutch 'Princess Irene Brigade' soldiers.

Well there was 9-11 but who's counting. :P

I know, but how do you defend against terrorist attacks with an army? America did some invading in countries that weren't at war with America until America attacked, but it was not like those countries attacked America, that attack was done ... by terrorists.

If Europe applied the same logic as America does, Germany would be invading Tunesia now. I'm glad they didn't.

*edit: Oh damn, I wrote 'America' each time I meant the USA. I think I'll hide in a corner while I cower away from angry Mexicans, Brazilians and my brother's Equadorian ex.

I'm not defending the actions of the United States so relax. :D

I am an extreme pacifist to the Nth degree I assure you.

Not all of us are the greedy fascist war mongers that we get painted as.

So, not really a thing in all of America.
Yes I know, TinyE. My irritation isn't directed at you, even though my post was a reply to you. I blame you the least of all for decisions your government has made, knowing how often you disagree with them.

THANK GOD! I have enough people pissed at me in here as is! :P

In what sense are the American military that invade sovereign countries, 'defending your country'?

When was the last time America was invaded and when was the last time your army defended you against said threat successfully?