“Why did you do it?” the bystander asked.
The soldier answered, “We did it for John. Serving our country with pride, we left a part of ourselves in Afghanistan.” The young man raised his prosthetic leg. “For some of us, that’s literal. We struggled to fit back into normal life. John understood because he’d been there too.”
Motioning to the others in the group, he said, “He helped us all return.”
“Where is John now?”
“The pain was too much. We march today to pay tribute to our brother and pledge that no one will be left behind again.”
~~
This story is loosely based on a true one. For those of you who serve or have served in the military, I admire your bravery. I have family and friends who have served. Thank you for your service!
“Friday Fictioneers” is a weekly challenge hosted by Rochelle Wisoff Fields. The challenge is to write a story using only 100 words in response to a photo prompt. The photo this week was taken by J Hardy Carroll. It has been a lot of fun to join in with this fantastic and encouraging group of writers! Other stories can be found HERE.
I attended a memorial for a young veteran who committed suicide a couple of years ago. He was the same age as my son. They had been friends in high school. As you say, “the pain was too much.” They give so much and are not treated with the honor, respect, and compassion they deserve. God Bless them every one.
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What a tragedy, I’m so sorry to hear. The character “John” is based on a friend of my daughters. You said it well, they give so much of themselves and do not receive honor or respect in return. God bless them!
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A fitting tribute to their friend.
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Yes, and a pledge to care for each other, which would have made their friend pleased. Thanks for commenting!
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A poignant write. Very well done,
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Thanks so much! 🙂
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A very fitting tribute. Well done.
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Thank you, Sandra! 🙂
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Another fitting tribute for your Independence Day.
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That’s what initially inspired me. Thanks so much! 🙂
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I’m sure many who served will recognise this situation. Nice one.
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Unfortunately so. Thanks, Iain!
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So sad how many young lives have been ruined.
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Very true. Thank you for reading and commenting.
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Lovingly well done, Brenda…
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Thanks so much, Dale.
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A beautifully written piece Brenda
Click to read my FriFic tale
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Thanks so much!
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Lovely and fitting tribute, really well written. It’s true none of them get the respect and care they are owed
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I wish it weren’t the case when they’ve given so much. Thanks so much, Michael, for your encouragement.
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A very poignant piece Brenda
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Thank you for reading, Dahlia! =)
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Dear Brenda,
A fitting and heartfelt tribute. Freedom isn’t free, is it? Lovely story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Sadly so. Thank you, Rochelle! =)
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Poignant and important story.
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Thank you so much, Jilly! =)
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I have a lot of respect for those who serve. My family is heavy on the females, so we didn’t have many go off to war.
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