By all means if you're too embarrassed to publicly thank those that have made that sacrifice,
Have you never seen TV coverage of the Remembrance Sunday ceremonies in London and elsewhere? No embarrassment in expressing gratitude for sacrifice there, I would say. But I would see a world of difference between that and wanting to shake the hand of every squaddie who happens to be passing by in uniform and thanking everyone who has ever donned their country's uniform. As I said, I regard my own service as being well-rewarded already without others thanking me for it.
(H'mm, must remember that black trousers tip
)