You might be getting a slightly incorrect view of the British/American veteran treatment.
As an Aussie, we respect those who serve to protect the sovereignty of our country primarily, and the freedoms of others. To my mind at least, a career in the armed services is a fairly selfless choice.
Your last sentence is true, but we don't worship those who cause wounding/death (the conflict initiators), (in fact we don't worship anyone) but we rember the sacrifice of those who suffered and died for the freedoms that we in the first world take for granted.