Recognition is given, not demanded.
"In that...nobody flying commercial airlines should get any special priv's at all ever, no argument. "
Id disagree with that. If I were the manager of said airline and I happened to notice one of the passengers was a medal of honor holder, or a vet from ww2, korea or any other war, that guy would receive free first class upgrade without a second thought from me.
My uncle is a retired airline pilot, he used to fly for Avianca and SAM airlines (Colombian airlines) during from the 70's to the late 90's. The best story I ever recall him telling us is of when he was waiting for another jet to load passengers so he could unload his, he overheard a heated debate on the radio from the plane that was picking up people... One of our Korean war vets from the Batallon Colombia, by that time a 65+ year old guy and who'se years hadnt been kind on him was given a 3rd class seat because he couldnt afford better seats..and the plane was not fully booked.
Turns out the airport was almost paralyzed when half the jets refused to move until that guy was given first class seat. They say the guy was moved to tears that anyone even remembers what they did (sadly, back home our korean war vets, or any vets for that matter dont get any kind of benefits or govt aid, those that fought in korea are completely forgotten

, nowadays less than 5 are alive from the entire batallion we sent overseas ).
So hell yes, give em some recognition, they earned it. It shouldnt be mandatory or expected of you, that'd be insulting to them and to you, yet they deserve the outmost respect and perhaps, a small effort to show that respect... it will make their day, and yours too.