I find it hard to explain, and I am probably doing it pale injustice, but it's a feeling I have that I want to express to some who are younger on the DT.

Colonel Vindman fought in Iraq. He has a Purple Heart; he bled for his country. For someone in my age group, this takes on a special connotation. For those of us in our early 30s, the Iraq War is a dividing line in our generation. Either you served in 2003-05, or you didn't. Colonel Vindman did. He is one tier above our age group, but he served on the line in 2003-05, and he thus gains the respect of any who served in that period. He has the honor of one who served.

I work with people who served in that period. I have incredible, nearly indelible respect for them. Colonel Vindman served in that period, and moreover he was wounded in action. His service ranks high for me.

So watching him tremble at his Congressional testimony signaled something. This man, who is fearless, is now giving his testimony despite his palatable fear; this is meaningful. He has the outrageous courage to stand up for what he believes in. This man believes in what is right.

And here, right matters.