AN: Since it's Memorial Day, I felt like I had to write something. Still writing the next chapter, putting a lot of thought into the Water Spirit scene. I can say that next official chapter Saito will be cured.

Anyway, thank you to all the men and women serving, whether its on the front lines or managing the logistical end of the conflict. We all owe those who are willing to sacrifice themselves to serve others a debt of gratitude. They deserve better for the stresses they face.

We were driving down to the National Cemetery. Today was the day. Every year it was the same, though it seemed that each year more and more people were here. Visiting loved ones now gone. There was a small desire in me to go visit some of my family on my dad's side and meet some of the soldiers who gave their lives, but that was really far away. A cross-country trip was hard, and my parents didn't have the time for it.

As we got out of the car I followed behind my brother Ben and my sister Megumi, the two of them following my parents. We were all solemn, quiet, as we walked to the resting place. I never really knew the man we were visiting. I wish I had.

As we approached the grave of Ben Kubo, and I watched as my mom lowered her gaze. She was the only one who actually knew him. PFC Ben T Kubo, or the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, born December 5, 1919, died April 2, 1979.

My mom and dad were both in full uniform, and they gave a quick salute. I didn't really feel worthy of standing there. I didn't think that I'd be able to make the same decisions he made. I don't think I would be able to forgive being put into the Internment Camps. Then again, I just hope I don't get the chance to find out if I would.

My mom left a pack of cigarettes on his grave, and poured some gin on the ground. I never really asked why she did that. Apparently my grandfather did the same when he was alive. He was buried in Texas's Fort Worth. "Hard to believe another year's gone by uncle."

I always expected my mom to say something more eloquent, like in a movie. She was never good and eloquent, or emotional. She was much better at blunt and dry. She took a swig of the gin, and she grimaced.

My brother stepped up, "I've been accepted to the Air Force Reserve Officer Training. I don't really know you, but I'm following in your footsteps. Not exactly in your footsteps. I'm going to be Air force, not army. And… um…"

I pulled myself away and looked around, and I wondered what the reaction my family would have if Ben or Megumi ended up here. Or me. I watched as mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, sons and daughters, mourning, crying, telling them how their life has been.

I hope that I never make people mourn me, or cry for me. If I do, then I hope it's a worthy sacrifice.

Go for Broke.

This is Lee, and I'm out.