Warm air ruffled his hair, whispering a thousand battles into his thoughts. There had been an explosion – sudden and so loud he felt it down to the marrow of his bones. Immediately alert, he’d fired back with everything he had. Then silence. His adrenaline decreased and the beat of his heart quieted enough to look around. He moved slightly toward his buddy for a fist bump. They deserved at least that celebration here in the small outpost assigned them. There hadn’t been many of them to begin with and now, down to just two, they had bravely carried on. Duty. Honor. Country.

His battle buddy since the beginning of this military journey was immovable. He gave a low whistle between his teeth.

“Jack! Hey, Jack!”

It was then he noticed the brown stain growing on Jack’s chest. He crawled over and cried out, but it was no use. Jack’s eyes were unblinking and his face expressionless.

The report of machine guns echoed. He was alone. And he would fight on.

Memorial Day. It’s not just for picnics.

Image: Etsy