Disclaimer: I own nothing but my mind. And even then I wonder some times. Please enjoy.
Alfred walked along the beach, his footprints getting swallowed by the water that lapped at his ankles. He didn't care that he was getting wet. He stopped and looked to the sky. He slipped his glasses from his face before wiping the tears that slipped silently down his cheeks. He slipped the lenses back on before looking back out to the beach. The sky was clear, shining down upon him. It felt wrong to see the sun this day but the normally boisterous American remained silent. He continued walking the beach, his blue eyes lost to memories. Around him he didn't hear the gulls cry, instead he heard shouts of pain, cries of death, gun fire, explosion, fear. He could smell death, smoke, and the sea. He paused in his walk. He had reached a particular stretch of the beach. He turned to the water and knelt. He ignored the water soaking his clothing. He lowered his head and placed his hands into the mixture of sea and sand. He kept his eyes closed as he remembered. He didn't know how long he sat there, really didn't care. He was too lost in his memory. When he stood it was dark. He turned and walked away from the water's edge. His eyes were sad but he held his head high. He paused and turned to look back over the beach before heading home. He had several poppy flowers in hand. He brought them up to his lips and kissed the small red flowers before kneeling again and placing them on the sand. He stood up and saluted the beach.
"All gave some, some gave all..." he whispered the words. He turned and walked away from the beach, not looking back. While some would forget he swore he never would. He would always remember them. The men who he marched with as he stormed the beaches. He would always remember the wars, the battles, the fights for freedom. Most of all he would remember those who gave it all. Alfred walked away from the Beach of Normandy, his head held high. He was heading to the national cemetery back home. He had to put out flags. He smiled as he looked at the sky. Lost but not forgotten...
~~So I got this idea as I wore my poppy flower for Memorial day. I knew I wanted to write a story about America and I figured this would be a good way to dabble. I do hope you enjoy this fic. Please let me know what you think. I really wanted to put emphasis on the loss and memories.
I wrote this fic for those who came before and gave their lives to allow me the freedom to wright my mind. I do remember, and I thank you for all you gave.
Please read and review. Criticism helps me know where I need to improve.