Disclaimer: I do not own Hogan's Heroes or profit from writing.
Author's Note: I started this a few weeks ago, but I felt it wasn't quite right. Finally, I have just decided to publish it. Please don't hesitate to tell me what you think. Feedback is appreciated!
Also, which of the heroes do you think this man is?
Memorial Day-2001 five minutes to three
The old man silently slipped away from the laughter and chatter of the family gathering. He went to his room and pulled down a small box from the shelf. He opened the lid carefully. Inside lay a Bronze Star.
"Here," he had been told, "please take it. I have no use for it now. I will be gone soon." So he had taken it. The next morning, the hospital told him his friend had died. He could hardly believe the irony of it. The youngest member of their team had passed first. The four of them had met for the funeral. A reunion that could not have been avoided.
The Colonel had been second. He had passed unnoticed by the world for his bravery and service. But that was what he had wanted. He had tried to refuse his medals. He was genuinely puzzled by it."Others died, I didn't. Why should I be honored for living? Being alive is honor enough."
One by one, each of them had slipped away. With each one, part of him died with them. They had passed largely forgotten by the world, but their sacrifices were not in vain. He would remember and pass the memories to his children and their children. He was the last. He would make sure the world did not forget.
He felt a tug on his hand. He opened his eyes and looked down. A small boy stared up at him. "Grandpa, we're almost ready to be quiet for a minute now. Are you coming?"
The old man smiled. "I'm coming, Andrew. Do you know why we are quiet for a little while?" The little boy shook his head. "We use the time to remember those who have died fighting in the wars."
"Oh, you mean men like Mr. Olsen and Mr. Foster? The ones you told me about?"
The man smiled sadly. "Yes, like those men."