This memorial day, here's to those in the silent service.

No, I'm not referring to those in the NAVY who served in submarine service or even the field agent spooks who worked for the FBI. Rather, I'm talking about the millions of non-government employees who go to work every day to generate the wealth to make a military possible. They are the factory workers, hotel cleaners, food service workers, retail people, nursing home workers, tomato pickers, forklift drivers and countless others who provide support services but have not directly served in one of the armed forces.

These civilians forgo a lifetime of benefits and status of government service to provide the true wealth that allows the rest of our government to function. They are the ones who do without civil or military pensions.  They get no extra points on civil service tests or special tax breaks.  They get no veteran discounts and would be quickly dragged out of a VA hospital if they were sick in spite of possibly having been employed at one.

So, here's to all the tax payers in private industry who actually work for a living. It's OK to appreciate the servicemen but don't forget everyone else who made their job possible.