What did Captain Miller say to Private Ryan on the bridge?
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John Miller looked up at Matt Damon’s young title character in “Saving Private Ryan” and whispered in a raspy voice, “Earn this.” In essence, Miller was speaking about the great debt owed to the men and women of the armed forces — of any war — who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
What were the last words Captain Miller said to Private Ryan?
His dying words to Ryan are, “Earn this. Earn it.” Over and out. But Miller’s command is very profound. Six men died trying to save this baby-faced private, and that’s a big debt to repay.

What does Captain Miller mean when he says earn this to Private Ryan?
He means that multiple lives were lost in an effort to find Private Ryan and to bring him home to his family (that had already lost their other sons in the war). He means that Private Ryan needs to honor his fallen comrades with a life of service toward others.
Why did Captain Miller’s hand shake in Saving Private Ryan?
Miller’s uncontrollably shaking hands is a result of post-traumatic stress disorder thanks to the film’s dialogue and what is known of PTSD today.

What was wrong with the captain in Saving Private Ryan?
It is clear that Captain Miller has post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), yet he must launch himself into battle regardless.
Who survives in Saving Private Ryan?
Ryan, Reiben and Upham are the only main characters to survive the battle, and Ryan is with Miller as he dies and hears his last words, “James… earn this. Earn it.” Back in the present, the elderly veteran is revealed to be Ryan at Miller’s grave.
What does Tom Hanks say to Matt Damon?
Twenty years ago, Tom Hanks’ Capt. John Miller looked up at Matt Damon’s young title character in “Saving Private Ryan” and whispered in a raspy voice, “Earn this.” … “Saving Private Ryan” has joined the pantheon of great war movies.
What happens in the end of Saving Private Ryan?
The platoon accomplishes the rescue mission—Ryan is eventually shipped back to America—even though Miller, along with four others of his unit, dies, reminding Ryan at the end of the movie that he has to “earn this… Earn it.”