May we never forget that freedom isn't free. We owe a debt that can never be repaid.

Interlude

"Hey daddy, why is the flag only halfway up?"

I looked up from my gun bench to see silver eyes staring back at me. I set the barrel and cleaning cloth down and pulled Ruby into my lap. "It's a sign of mourning. Today is Memorial Day back home."

"What's that?"

"Well, it's a day set aside for everyone to remember those that have paid the ultimate sacrifice to keep us free. Freedom isn't free. It's costs… everything. Without their sacrifice, we wouldn't be free. That's true everywhere, not just my home. So we lower the flag as sign of respect and mourning, in honor of all the heroes who died to keep me, you mother, your cousin, you, Summer, and everyone you know free. Some people remember them by having barbecues; some people just spend time with family. Others, like me, go to a national cemetery and give thanks to those heroes."

"Oh… can we go see Summer's grave? I want to bring her flowers and thank her."

"Of course my little gem."

Later

I stood silently behind Ruby as she sat in front of Summer's headstone, chattering away about anything and everything. I stared at the inscription, memories flashing here and there. I saw Summer's face; a burning pyre. The flag draped over the coffin of my best friend; his wife flinching at every volley of a twenty-one-gun salute. Walking down the rows of Fort Logan; saluting my father's grave.

I was pulled back to the present by a small hand grabbing mine. I looked down at my daughter, a smile forming on my face. I turned back to the headstone and knelt, placing a hand on it. "Till Valhalla, Summer Rose." I stood again to leave, Ruby walking beside me. "C'mon little rose, let's get some food."

As we left the cliff's edge and the sun began to drift below the horizon, a breeze blew across the grave, taking a few white rose petals with it. And just above the bundle of roses read the fitting inscription for the hero that gave everything.

'Summer Rose – Thus Kindly I Scatter'

A/N: Been a while. With today being so important, I felt like I needed to get something out. I've been dealing with a lot, just random bullshit that just keeps piling up, trying to get my head on straight and back to writing. Hopefully I'll have the next chapter or two up within the next few weeks. I want to get a normal update schedule going for this, but I frequently get writers block so who really knows. Anyway, thanks to everyone for reading and sticking around to see what's next. Oh and I dug up an old laptop so I have all my old outlines for my other story Remnant's Marine, so look out for that.

And finally, thank you to everyone who has served or is currently serving. Your sacrifice means so much to me, I wish I could be there with you.