Disclaimer: This is intended to honor our veterans living and those who walk in the Spirit world. It is my hope it will be taken in that light. Only the greatest of honor and respect is intended. If it seems harsh in parts it is intended to make us think. I intend this to be a reflection of the thoughts of a soldier in Starfleet but it is also intended to honor our own troops. Yes I am American and yes it is from our point of view and I am certain it would not reflect the views of those who stand against us. But then maybe they too would share the sentiment even if they do not share our culture or value systems. It can be obvious however that my heart and soul prays for our warriors.
Thoughts in Italics
11.11.2006
Respectfully,
FireStar
Spirit Warriors
I look around here today and I see a garden. The lawns are all mowed nice and neat. There are flags all standing neatly in a row.
There is a crowd gathered around and they listen to speeches and promises to do more for the veterans. I look on and over and all around me I see many others looking on with the same confused look. I see a flag flying high and some part of me remembers that it is important so I salute it sharply. Please do not think I do not love the flag I do. But ,it is so confusing why are they cheering in this sacred place. I look to my left and a man a Master Sergeant Walks up to me. His face is grim but, he is in the finest of uniforms. His pace is unhurried as he motions to me and I walk over. The crowd fades for a moment. It is then that I not something is not quite right in that uniform. I tilt my head to see what seems special almost out of place.
Suddenly it hits me and I snap to attention. Upon his chest is a medal the highest of them all. I swallow and salute him. It is returned sharply and crisply and then he holds out his hand.
"Welcome home Soldier. I am sorry to be the one to welcome you to our ranks. I wish it would have been many years before you joined us here."
I am confused but respectfully ask "Master Sergeant Where am I? Why are you sorry that I am here. I am a soldier and it is my honor to serve."
The Master Sergeant smiles sadly. "You served your nation well soldier." He pauses "Look around and what do you see?"
I obey and look and suddenly see rows and rows of Soldiers, Sailors Airmen and Marines. I cannot believe so many of us have leave as there is a war on.
"Was this some special gathering ?" I ask
"Yes soldier it is. You have joined the Spirit warriors today. We are all here looking on and guarding that flag."
"How can that be? " Suddenly it hits me and I know the truth. I swallow hard as I look again and see the garden of stone is Arlington.
"What do we do here?" I ask I admit I am afraid.
The Master Sergeant smiles "We remind them." he points to the crowds. "We remind them that Freedom is not Free. We stand as witness to all that truly matters. Duty ,Honor and Country. We may no longer walk with them but our sacrifices reminds them that some things are worth fighting and dying for. Family. God and country and our fellow soldiers. We are the spirit that connects one generation to the next. We are spirit Warriors."
I nod and understand. I look over the Master Sergeant becomes a man I once knew well. I had forgotten who he was.
"Father I have missed you."
"I have missed you to son. Come let us rest."
I follow him to take my place and pray that my son does not meet me this way.
The End