As several of his high school friends prepare for a virtual graduation ceremony, a young soldier prepares to get some much deserved rest. He has spent the better part of the day working in the 100 degree heat in a land half-way across the world. From a different perspective, he too, shares in the desire for better days.
Early the next morning, at an hour where most of us are deep in REM sleep, he awakes and gets ready for another day. Although the heat and humidity will be brutal, he doesn't complain. To revive himself, he splashes some cool water on his face and follows the smell of brewing coffee.
He gathers with his fellow troops for a quick breakfast. Afterward, they gather up their backpacks and head out for another day of fighting the good fight. The young soldier pulls a photo of his high school sweetheart from the side pocket of his BDU's. Imagining the day when she will meet him at the airport on his return trip home puts an instant smile on his face. Everyone needs a beacon of hope in these circumstances. And she will be his...
As the young soldier makes his way up the hilly terrain, he jokes with his brothers. It temporarily takes their minds off of the inevitable danger that awaits them. They march on, deeper into unknown volatility.
The soldiers stop around mid-day for a much needed lunch break. They hunker down in a patch of woods that should serve as a good cover from any potential enemy. Making the most out of their MRE's, they exchange light stories about their lives back home. It's during this time that there is a distant rustling in the woods. Although it could be nothing but a small animal, they can not take any thing for granted. They instinctively draw their weapons.....
They all take strategic positions as they survey they area. Whatever or whoever is out there appears to be motionless now. Tensions are high. They need to verify that the area is safe before they can march on.
A tree branch snaps about 50 yards behind the young soldier. He turns around to view the source of the sound. And then everything goes dark....
The trip home would not be as expected. Nor would the reunion with his high school sweetheart. Instead of joy, there would be heartbreak and sorrow. She should be looking forward to sharing a first dance with her new husband. But instead, the high school sweetheart will cry at his funeral while a somber version of Taps plays in the background.
The young man's life was over before it even had a chance to begin. He will always be remembered as an American hero. But even that will not take away the pain that his family and friends will feel. The sacrifice reaches deeper than most people will ever know...
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I know everyone has been going through a lot during the COVID shutdown. But today, it's not about us. Today belongs to those who gave all.
We are so lucky to be living in the United States of America. And it's because of our men and women in uniform that we are able to bask in it's freedom. To those who made the ultimate sacrifice, America can never repay you. But you will always be remembered as the heroes that you truly were.
kw
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