In 2014, as a Vietnam War Veteran, I vowed I would hike the entire 2,193-mile Appalachian Trail in honor of the 461 Marines from my unit. I knew it would not be easy at my age. On 09/15/2020, I reached the top of Mt. Katahdin. I unfolded a sign that was donated to me by a company in NC that heard my story honoring the 461, and all 30 other hikers that were also celebrating became quiet out of respect to the 461. I attempted to apply for the 2000-miler certificate but told by the ATC that this year, due to Covid, no one will be recognized. After section hiking for 7 years, this is very disappointing. 2020 will be the year that AT thru-hikers will be forgotten.