Good begets good.
I'm fortunate enough to live in the US, and here's a little story...
I was in a bar the other week, and got chatting to a guy in his 50s in there. He picked up on my accent (nondescript Forces one, but obviously English), and asked where I was from.
"The UK" replies I.
"Do you know the proper title of the UK?" says he.
"The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland" says I.
"Wow, you're the first Brit I've ever met who knew that" says he.
"Well, I was in the Army for 10 years, it's the least I could do" says I.
"So you're a veteran. Have a drink on me, and thanks for all that you've done".
He then proceeds to introduce me to his friends, and though I offered, I didn't buy another drink that night. I felt honoured, even though it was they who were honouring me.
Funny old thing, every time I come back through immigration, I make a point of thanking them for keeping the bad guys out and keeping me safe.
I just wish it was the same in the UK.