The tattoo has Steve's focus for longer than it should. He remembers seeing those, remembers a lot more about the war than people tend to realize and for all the people they'd saved, the lives of those they hadn't still weighs on him. The knowledge of what the Nazis did to people is what has caused Steve to feel so passionate about joining the army to begin with. It's what brought him to Project Rebirth and ultimately to where he is now.

His feelings haven't dulled with time at all, but he's not used to meeting anyone who might remember those times so vividly. Most of the people left are older, memories fading as they live out their lives. Bucky's the only one he knows who remembers it keenly and calling Bucky's memories keen might still be a stretch.

His eyes move back to the man's face. "Steve Rogers. I--" He clears his throat, voice heavy with something that feels deeply personal down to his bones. "I fought in that war. I'm sorry we couldn't get you out sooner."