"We need heroes. I mean genuine heroes, authentic men and women who are admired for their achievements noble qualities and courage."
The sun is rising slowly as he inhales the rich aroma of his black coffee, "Dude this is going to be an awesome birthday!" He smiles to himself as he takes a quick sip, "Oww, damn that's hot." He blows the steam away before going back for more watching a nearby flag pole and the trio of men below it.
The small park is nearly empty except for him sitting on the bench and the men slowly raising Old Glory it slowly flapping in the light breeze. He breathes in the fresh morning air not once taking his eyes off his flag, 'Yeah this is going to be a great birthday! Huge cake, a burger mountain and to end the night huge fireworks.' America finishes his coffee and stands to leave he has a lot of work if tonight's party will be just as amazing as last year's.
But there's something he has to do first before all the other countries arrive. It maybe his independence day but it's not his alone. America takes a well beaten path above the small park up to a nearby hill already buzzing with activity. Men and women all carrying small flags going from one grave to another with one man holding a long list checking off names as the flags are placed making sure no one is missed they do this only three times a year so everything must be correct. Soon he will read off the names aloud just to make sure no one is forgotten many names unsaid in over two hundred years.
The tall country takes a handful of flags and begins his own row, mentally saying every name recalling many of the men and boys that rode with him, fought with him…died for him. He stops at a small worn grave and places a hand on the cold softened stone he remembers this boy well the private was fifteen when they first met a simple drummer boy with a love of art and reading. He's so deep in thought he doesn't notice the young woman walking up to him, "Sir are you ok?"
He nearly jumps out of his skin, "Oh Dude. Yeah!" He lets out a laugh, "Sorry, I was thinking about something…" He looks out at the mass of flags smiling, "It's going to be a great day."
The young woman smiles, "Yeah have a good fourth of July." She walks back towards another row and he watches her go before he himself walks up the hill to a higher spot to a much newer graveyard unaware of the activity within. America stops short at the scene in front of him a small funeral is taking place and he stops to listen bowing his head out of respect for the fallen man.
He watches as the soldier's widow is given his folded flag with her small son by her side. Both he and the child lock eyes before America clicks his sneakers together standing straight at attention and salutes the fallen hero and his young son who smiles as he returns the salute just as the gun shots ring out. Taking large strides the young country walks away with one hand lightly touching his ever present dog tags a small reminder of his people although he normally keeps it under his shirt close to his heart but today he feels like he wants the whole world to see it and what it means to him.
He reaches out to touch one last grave before he leaves for home; they gave their lives so he could win his, and it's not just his day but theirs… his army, his friends, his brothers. Heroes all of them and today he's going to make sure everyone knows it.
He turns back one last time before walking back towards home and all the work for the party later that night humming sweetly to himself. "This year I want the cake red and white…Dude and when I cut in it should be blueberry!" He lets out another laugh in high spirits smiling proudly as he passes Old Glory, "Happy Birthday my old friend."
Ok, so I know it's more Memorial day-ish but I still think it fits nicely, now I'm off to find some nice blueberry cupcakes and fireworks. ;3