Death

Words like "Son" and "Brother" followed by phrases such as "Died for his country" and "Taken too soon" echoed through the church and heads nodded in agreement. Covered with a flag before leaving the church and carried by loved ones, the coffin was taken to the vehicle outside. Outside, where there were caring people with their kindness and their symbols of America lining the street to shield this soldier and his friends and family from the ignorance of protest.

At the cemetery, black nylon flowers bloom in succession to shield the mourners from the water droplets falling from the grey sky. The rain began just as Taps began. It was as if a director from behind the scenes motioned to the special effects person at precisely that moment.

Patches of green uniforms spread over the field, all motionless, all attentive. The rifles, which were just moments before lifted, loud and smoking, grew silent and the ceremony continued. Awards were awarded, medals were presented and the flag was folded and handed to the grieving mother. Only then could the sadness begin to budge to make way for pride and admiration.

Spec Mark W Melcher, American, Hero.