I am not a “vet.” I have never served in any branch of the military or for any government entity. I can never know the pain, anger, frustration, or fear you experienced. Indeed, I cannot possibly imagine it. I only know that I am able to write this remembrance today because you did suffer through those inhumanities. Words alone can never express the anger I feel knowing you had to make those sacrifices. And words alone can never express the pride I feel knowing that you did make those sacrifices for people you never knew. Even though I do not stand in front of that granite monolith and caress each and every name inscribed thereon, know that, in spirit, I already have. In one of the final scenes of Saving Private Ryan, Capt. Miller tells Ryan to “earn this,” meaning the sacrifice they made for him. I hope I can “earn this” for you. You will not be forgotten.