This is written for Armistice/Veteran's Day and Remembrance Sunday, in memory of those who fought in the World Wars and other conflicts. The poem is the Ode of Remembrance, taken from "For the Fallen" by Laurence Binyon. Set post-DOTM.
They went with songs to the battle, they were young.
Straight of limb, true of eyes, steady and aglow.
They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted,
They fell with their faces to the foe.
They gathered under the harsh Pacific sun. Soldiers stood in formation, wearing full dress uniform, around a simple monument engraved with the names of the fallen. Many such gatherings would be going on this day, in remembrance of those who had given their lives; but this congregation was made unusual by the presence of several huge metal beings stood behind the troops. The hushed murmurs of the crowd fell silent as the commanding officer, Colonel William Lennox, stepped up to the microphone.
"We gather today to honour and remember those who have given their lives, both human and Autobot, in past and present conflicts for the defence of our home, our freedom and our lives. This year in particular we remember those who fought and died in Chicago a few months ago, defending Earth from Decepticon invasion."
Lennox looked around at the assembled, many of which had tears in their eyes, before continuing.
"All of us here today honour those men and women by wearing the Poppy," Lennox could see the small bits of red on each of their shoulders, and the larger poppies usually attached to cars that now were worn by the Autobots present. "It is a symbol of remembrance, and the hope that the memory of the World Wars and other such conflicts will prevent their repeat. The Glorious Dead, we salute you!" Lennox finished, saluting the memorial with the rest of the soldiers.
The service proceeded with several speeches and readings, including the Ode of Remebrance. Wreaths of poppies were laid by representatives of the groups that lived and worked on Diego Garcia. Lennox placed one for the NEST forces; while General Morshower represented the high command. Sam Witwicky laid a wreath for the civilians and non-military staff; and Optimus Prime, wreath looking miniscule in his hand, placed one for the Autobots.
The gun salute then signalled two minutes of silence.
Optimus, during those two minutes, thought back on the war of his own people. He could remember the start of the war, so many vorns ago. So many had fallen as the conflict progressed; so many good Autobots, all strong and brave soldiers, all dedicated to the cause. And in the last few years many human lives had also been lost. A few months was not long enough for the realisation the war hand ended to sink in, for the remaining Autobots to feel safe and comfortable enough to mourn their losses properly.
The guns fired again to signal the end of the silence, and the bugles sounded Last Post. Afterwards Lennox thanked everyone for attending, and dismissed them. Many of the crowd hung around, talking quietly in small groups, while others approached the memorial to place their own poppies with the wreaths.
Optimus Prime took one last look at the memorial, before transforming and leading his Autobots away. Four quiet words floated behind him. "We will remember them."
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them.
We will remember them.
