Chapter 27: A Super Celebration

WASHINGTON D.C.
JUNE 21, 10:05 EDT

The Justice League and their allies and their teenage protégés stood tall and proud as President Wilson gave his address to America. Nearly the whole population of the capital of the United States had gathered to commend them for a victory that currently topped all that the Justice League had achieved before, and the allied nations around the world who had worked with the League and America to fight Darkseid's conquest of Earth were broadcasting this extraordinary occasion for the general public in their countries.

"Ladies and gentlemen, fellow citizens of the planet Earth, we are gathered here not to celebrate an American victory in fighting against evil, but to celebrate a victory that belongs to people everywhere," the President was saying. "Today, we congratulate the greatest superheroes of modern times: the Justice League, for defending the freedom of our world and repelling a threat of incredible evil from stealing that freedom from us all. But more importantly, the League has shown each of us everywhere that it is possible for each of us to coexist with our neighbors, be they next door or nations apart. Therefore, for this astonishing display of humanity and for unrivaled courage and unbreaking will to stand for what is right and just, the United Nations has agreed to award the Justice League, their friends, and all their teen sidekicks the International Medal of Valor."

The gathered crowd gave the Justice League and their protégés a thunderous round of applause as each superhero was given their medal, from Superman to Booster Gold, and then from Robin to Terra. Then Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, were the first to salute the crowd, and the rest of the League and their fellow superheroes did the same. Then President Wilson gave another announcement.

"In light of the recent conflict to save Earth from the invaders from the planet Apokolips, the Justice League has confided to me that they are welcoming new members to their fold today to increase the League's ability to protect America and the world alike," he went on before addressing the new members. "These new members are Power Girl, Elongated Man, Katana, Donna Troy, Wildcat, Big Barda, Mister Miracle, Green Beetle, Red Torpedo, Red Inferno, Rocket, Geo-Force, and the Metal Men."

Then the President beckoned forward the individuals responsible for providing the resources the Justice League had helped ration out to fend off Darkseid's invasion: Amanda Waller, Professor Emil Hamilton, and Dr. Silas Stone.

"In keeping with the Justice League's monumental success, the United States government has seen fit to create a new government department that will work with the League to promote national security, international peace, and social stability," President Wilson declared. "And to announce the heads of this new initiative, my daughter, Sophie."

Nine-year-old Sophie Wilson approached Amanda Waller and was saluted by the older woman and by Professor Hamilton and Dr. Stone. Then after brushing a lock of her dirty-blonde hair back from her face, she said to Waller, "By order of the President of the United States, I hereby declare you, Amanda Waller, director of the National Superhuman Defense Agency. This organization will work in concert with the Justice League to ensure the preservation of the homeland's peace and assist civil and federal authorities in combating crime more effectively here at home. The Justice League is authorized to continue crime-fighting operations at home and elsewhere in the world within the limits of international laws."

Waller saluted the President's daughter with a respectful smile, and then Sophie addressed Professor Emil Hamilton. She said to him, "By order of the President of the United States, I hereby declare you head of the NSDA's Department of Bioscience."

Then she addressed Dr. Stone, saying, "And you, Dr. Silas Stone, are declared head of the NSDA's Department of Technology."

Professor Hamilton and Dr. Stone saluted once more, and then the President finished his address with, "Ladies and gentlemen, this battle for the safety of our Earth is won! And today, we give a special thanks to the champions who led us to that victory: your Justice League!"

The crowd gave the League and their protégés the loudest ovation they had yet received as Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, and every other superhero there saluted the President, the crowd, and most of all, the American flag.

The Justice League's commendation for saving Earth from Darkseid's threat of conquest was only the beginning, for after the period of mourning for the soldiers who had fallen aiding the League in the battle against Darkseid was done, celebrations of the victory began to occur all over the world. There were parties in the nations of Europe from England to Finland and in the Near Eastern countries, parades in India, China, and Japan and the nations of southeast Asia, national celebrations throughout the nations of Africa and in Australia, and public rallies all over North and South America.

For the next two weeks, the nations of the world who had helped the Justice League in the defense of Earth celebrated, and the League's members and protégés were given unexpected commendations in the cities they protected. In Metropolis, Superman's statue in Centennial Park had sculptures of Superboy and Supergirl erected beside him. A statue of Wonder Woman was put up in Central Park in New York along with a sculpture of Wonder Girl, Flash's statue in Central City was soon accompanied by one of Kid Flash, and a statue of Green Lantern was erected in Coast City. Even in Gotham City, Mayor Hamilton Hill commissioned a statue of Batman to be erected in Gotham Park out of respect and admiration for the Dark Knight's devotion to the people he lived to protect, and this statue was accompanied by sculptures of Nightwing, Robin, and Batgirl.


WASHINGTON D.C.
JULY 4, 19:30 EDT

Washington D.C. was alight with the blazing of fireworks the moment the sun began to set. Massive crowds gathered at the Lincoln Memorial in National Park to watch the fireworks display while others watched from the rooftops of their houses and from their hotel rooms. At the moment, Cat Grant of GBS was in the nation's capital to give a report on the Independence Day celebration, and tonight, she had something extraordinarily special to present to the public concerning the circumstances of the recent events.

"This is Cat Grant coming to you live from the White House as Washington D.C., the United States of America, and all the world is celebrating a special Independence Day to match the first!" she was saying. "America declared its independence from Britain on this day 238 years ago, but tonight, we and our friends and rivals have a new freedom to celebrate: freedom from Apokoliptan conquest, thanks to the brave heroes of the Justice League, who encouraged all of us to work together to keep our world free!"

As Ms. Grant spoke, the White House guards and the President's guests looked up at the clear, moonlit sky and saw their champions approach from the air, some flying under their own power and others with the aid of fellow members. Superman was leading the group, followed closely by Wonder Woman and Martian Manhunter, while Green Lantern projected a platform from his ring on which stood Batman, Aquaman, and Flash. Not only was the Justice League arriving at the White House but their protégés were arriving as well.

The other two Green Lanterns were close behind the founders of the League, and John Stewart was projecting a platform from his ring on which stood Green Arrow, Black Canary, Batwoman, and Vixen along with Red Arrow, Artemis, and Beast Boy. Guy Gardner, the third Green Lantern of the Justice League, projected a platform carrying Fire and Ice, the Question, Huntress, Nightwing, Robin, and Batgirl as well as Geo-Force and Terra. Zatara appeared next on a mystic disk of light with his daughter Zatanna under his arm, and behind him came Captain Marvel and Marvel Jr. and Mary Marvel, followed by Superboy and Supergirl. Red Tornado was the next to appear, followed by Doctor Fate supporting Plastic Man, Elongated Man, the Atom, Guardian, Bumblebee, and Kid Flash. Captain Atom, Hawkman and Hawkgirl, Black Lightning, and Booster Gold were the next to appear, and in a short while, the whole League had arrived with their teenage apprentices.

Every Congressman and Senator, Supreme Court Justice, and dignitary coming to the White House to celebrate this special Independence Day saluted the Justice League and their protégés as they passed, and when they came to the door, President Wilson immediately welcomed them in as unexpected but very welcome guests.

The Justice League and their teenage protégés were applauded by the President's guests and the heroes received handshakes from the various politicians and government heads. They shared in the celebration and were all able to feel the weight of their duty as keepers of the peace lifted. This was one occasion when the League could feel glad that their work for the well-being of society had paid off in this moment of peace.

While most of the Justice League and their apprentices mingled with the other guests, Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman stood together with deep thoughts to share.

"It's often when we feel as though the world is weighed upon our shoulders," Wonder Woman said thoughtfully. "But when peace is restored at the end of whatever battle we fight to preserve it, it's comforting to know our work means something."

"I admit there are times when I wonder if fighting the good fight is really worthwhile," said Superman with an air of solemnity. "In those times, I often see evil and darkness continue to rage against what is good in the world. But if everything in this world passes at one time or another, that means even darkness must pass. Knowing that good will triumph in the last hour is what keeps me fighting for the right, because I hope for that day, and hope never dies."

Batman gave his two allies a thin smile and finished, "I never clung to that hope as tightly as you, Clark. But hearing you explain it makes me think that it's worth it. We'll do well to adopt that philosophy for the future of the Justice League. And we'll uphold it for the good of the people everywhere."

With that in mind, Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman went into the thick of the crowd to enjoy the Independence Day celebration. Their battle for the freedom of Earth had been costly, but their dedication to protecting freedom and upholding justice had not diminished. Greater still, their willingness to stand for the right had touched the minds and hearts of millions around the world, and with that willingness came hope for a new time of peace.


A/N: Hope you all liked the ending of this epic adventure with the Justice League. If you want to let me know your opinions, feel free to review this story. I'll be writing another story featuring the heroes of DC Comics and continuing others that need finishing, but I'll have something new up in time for Christmas. Enjoy reading these stories, folks, and Happy Thanksgiving wherever you are.