What Does It Mean To "Support The Troops"?

[ThomWV]

It is a phrase that I have never understood; "Support The Troops", just what does it mean? Although I served in the military myself there isn't anything that I do that provides any support to 'troops' other than that as a general rule I have always paid my taxes as required and on time. I have not hosted dinners for local brigades, I have not petitioned my Congressman or either of my Senators for higher pay, better benefits, or more time off for our 'troops'. Oh, and just to keep this on an even keel, how about we agree that troops and veterans are not the same people and that veteran's issues are not the subject of this posting.

So just what is it, this declaration of support for our troops that is plastered on half the SUVs on the highway? I particularly want to hear from anyone who has one of those magnetic ribbons on their vehicle.