Alfred stood, shoulders back and chin up, in the sweltering heat. Tonight, he wasn't just America. He was a U.S. Marine. Citizens were arriving in droves for the sunset parade at the Iwo Jima Memorial. Most were locals, but there were tourists from all over his house in the midst.
Out of the corner of his eye, he saw a busload of students, appearing to be in about seventh or eighth grade, trekking down the path, eager for the performance. Some of the children waved, while others simply smiled politely. One boy, however, approached him.
"I've always wanted to be a Marine," the boy said, voice laden with a heavy Southern accent. The boy held out his hand to shake, and Alfred had to bite the inside of his lip, nearly failing to keep the corners of him mouth from twitching up into a proud smile. He took the boy's hand in his own, giving it a firm shake. He took a quick glance to either side of him, then gave the teen a high five.
A look a sheer euphoria filled the boy's eyes, and he yelled for everyone to hear, "A MARINE GAVE ME A HIGH FIVE! A MARINE GAVE ME A HIGH FIVE! I AM NEVER WASHING THIS HAND AGAIN!"
A girl with long golden tresses rolled her eyes at her boyfriend, and a silver-haired teacher called, "David! Get over here! You don't want to get left behind. Again. Don't you remember the Washington Monument?"
David, as he was apparently called, thanked Alfred, beaming. His teacher couldn't help but smile.
About an hour later, as the parade came to a close, the same class began heading back to their bus, but not without making an important stop.
"Is he the one who gave you a high five?" inquired the teacher. Nick gave a quick "yes ma'am." The woman rummaged through her bag, pulling out a camera.
"Is it alright if he takes a picture with you?" she asked Alfred.
"Of course, ma'am." Alfred replied. At this point, it felt like his heart was going to burst from the overwhelming happiness inside. The boy hurried to his side, straightening his shoulders and giving a well-practiced salute, and Alfred did the same. The moment the shutter clicked, David thanked Alfred again, stumbling over his words. An expression of pure elation was on his young, freckled face.
He hurriedly joined his classmates, and they immediately began exclaiming, "You met a Marine!" "He got a picture with one!" "You are so lucky!"
The boy waved at the nation, who nodded in response, allowing a smile to appear upon his lips before he returned to his position.
As the sound of people returning to their vehicles filled his ears, Alfred pondered about how the little things like this made being a nation worth it, and watched as the sun sank behind the horizon in his capital, his heart.