I love the Brady Bunch! Peter has always been my favorite character. There was never enough appreciation about his service in the Air Force. Seeing as today is Veteran's Day, I wanted to write a little tribute to thank all who have served and write a story about Peter and his service.

Disclaimer: I do not own the Brady Bunch. The storyline is fictional but unfortunately, for some families and soldiers, this storyline (or similar) has been a reality at one point or another.

Today was always a rough day for the Brady family. It was a day they felt proud but also a day that brought grief. Back in 1983, on Veteran's Day, Peter had been on the American base in Lebanon delivering food, water, and other supplies to the Marine base. While he and his crew performed their jobs, bombs were being dropped by a terrorist group on the American base and local village. Peter had been killed when attempting to save a young boy hiding for cover from the bombing. One of Peter's buddies had informed the family that instead of heading for cover like the rest had, he had seen the boy and wanted to get him to safety away from the falling bombs. Unfortunately, both he and the boy had been killed.

Greg and Bobby stood in front of their brother's grave at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C. The year was 1995. Ever since their brother's funeral twelve years ago, the two brothers had made this an annual trip to pay respect to their brother and keep him updated on what the family was up to.

Peter joining the Air Force had been a divided decision among their family. On one hand the family had been proud of his decision… proud of his bravery. However, Greg and Bobby always had doubts… not in their brother's ability of being a solider, but for the fear of what might come from it. Unfortunately, the worst had become reality for their family. Peter had been killed in action; he was only a few months away from his obligatory four years of active service being completed.

Sighing, they glanced down at the headstone.

Peter Brady

Medal of Honor

Cali

US Air Force

C-131

Nov 7, 1957

Nov 11, 1983

Greg knelt down and placed a wreath of flowers on the stand that stood in front of the tombstone. The wreath was patriotic with red, blue, and white ribbons. "Hey, Pete… another year has gone. It doesn't get any easier, buddy. So many times I find myself wanting to pick up the phone and call you about something exciting, but then I pick up the receiver and remember that I can't…"

Bobby placed a comforting hand on his brother's shoulder. Inhaling a shaky breath, he spoke, "I had a son this year, Peter. Happiest day of my life. But in a way it wasn't…" Bobby shook his head as his eyes glistened with tears, trying to compose himself. He felt Greg squeeze his shoulder. "He looks so much like you, Peter. Mom found a box of old photographs that Dad had kept. She found a picture of you as a baby. Side by side, you could be twins. We named him after you… and dad. Peter Michael. We call him Petey. He's 8 months old now. I wish he could meet his Uncle Peter. I wish he could make memories with the fun and caring uncle I know you would have been to him. But, Greg and I will fill him in on all of your crazy shenanigans you pulled."

Bobby and Greg glanced at one another and sat down in front of their brother's grave. They began filling him in on how their mother was doing, what was going on in the girls' lives, and how Alice was keeping busy. They had lost their father three years ago… it was a comfort knowing Peter had both their biological mother and father with him now. Losing Peter back in 1983 had broken their father. It was every parent's worst nightmare to outlive their child. Peter had been the son that reminded them of their late mother… he was the son that Mike could see his late wife through. Peter had been the one to inherit the many personality traits that their mother had had. Not only losing a part of his wife again, but losing his son… Mike became a shell of the man he once was. Mike always had a special place for Peter in his heart. Maybe it was because Peter wasn't the one to always find his place in this world, that he relied on his parents' advice and approval for every little thing, or maybe it was because Peter had no qualms in showing affection to his father through hugging no matter what age he was… Losing their brother but also watching their father crumble tore them up. When Mike passed, though they grieved, it brought them peace that mother, father, and son were reunited.

Greg took a folded piece of paper out of his jacket pocket and unfolded it. "Pete, Kevin had an assignment for Veteran's Day. The teacher asked the students to write to a veteran and thank them for their service. I know Kevin only met you a handful of times during the two years of his life you were around for. That's not your fault; you were away due to active service. But, ever since I began telling Kevin about you and showing him pictures of you holding him and tossing around a football with him… you've become his hero. Kevin's 14 and just began the 8th grade. He wants to join the JROTC in high school and be a solider just like his Uncle Pete." Greg chuckled, "You've been a bigger influence than me… his own dad!" Greg smiled down at the headstone, "Kevin couldn't have picked a better influence. Anyway, I thought I would read you the letter he wrote."

Veteran's Day is a day to thank service men and women, both past and present, for their duty in the military. Thanking them for their years of service to protect our country and for their bravery. My uncle was in the Air Force. I am so proud of Uncle Peter for taking the step to join the military. But Veteran's Day for me isn't the happiest of days for my family. In 1983, Uncle Peter was killed on Veteran's Day in Lebanon by bombs the enemy dropped. He could have survived… but my uncle saw a little boy all on his own. He tried so hard to save that little boy but unfortunately they both were killed when a bomb struck. I would like to think that my uncle provided some kind of comfort to that little boy in the last few seconds they were alive. They died together… so they weren't alone. No one should be alone when they die. I only got to meet Uncle Peter a few times in my life. I was 2 when he died and he was away most of the time because of his duties for the Air Force. But Uncle Peter is my hero. He was brave, honest, and dedicated as a soldier. He gave his life trying to protect a small child. When I grow up, if I can be half the man that my Uncle was, then I'll be pleased. I always make sure to thank as many veterans as I can on this day because the things they've witnessed… unless you've experienced it, you can't understand it. Watching death, watching buddies killed in front of you, fighting for your life - every veteran has a story and needs to be thanked for their service and bravery. But I also make sure to remember my Uncle Peter on this day… the day he laid down his life to try to save a little boy. My uncle is a real hero and I am honored to be his nephew.

"Pete, we miss you. Life has moved on but it's not the same without you. I would do anything to have one last chance to play a game of b-ball with you or just to hear you laugh!" Greg smiled, his eyes pained.

"Yeah, and I would love to go camping with you one more time… go fishing and just talk about random things happening in our lives," Bobby sighed. "At least we get this. Greg and I get a brotherly annual trip every November to this beautiful city to visit with you and just sight see."

"It's always a comfort knowing you're here. Maybe not in person, but we can definitely feel you. Please, tell mom and dad we say hi. That we miss them and love them," Greg added.

The two brothers got up and brushed off their pants. It always hurt to leave the grave… to leave Peter. He wasn't alone, not by any means. But with an inkling of guilt, they always felt they were abandoning him as the entire family lived in California and he was here in Washington, D.C.

"Well, Pete, this never gets any easier but it's time we say goodbye," Bobby began the farewell.

"But don't worry, brother, we will be back next year as always," Greg stated.

"Peter, we love you. Rest easy, big brother," Bobby whispered, tears stuck in his throat.

Greg placed a hand on top of his brother's headstone and paused, closing his eyes, and took a deep breath. Not a day went by that he didn't miss his brother. It had been twelve long years… just to hear Peter's voice one more time, hug him something fierce, and let him know how proud he was of him choosing to become a solider and protect their country. Well, there was one thing he could do now before he and Bobby left the cemetery.

Greg breathed, "Peter, I will always be so proud of you. I'm sorry that I wasn't the most supportive big brother when you decided to join the Air Force. I should have called more, wrote you letters. I can't change the past. And I know you were hurt by my decisions and actions during that time… but I love you, Pete. And I am damned proud of the man you became."

Bobby pulled Greg into a hug, both feeling their emotions spiraling out of control. With one last look at Peter's grave, they turned and walked away. Next year would bring another visit here, another chance to be close to their brother and update him on their lives. But for now, it was time to say goodbye and walk away… knowing Peter would continue to live on in their lives through stories and photographs.