Every year I write a bit of flash fiction to honor those whom we have lost in service to this nation. My only rule is that I write it in one sitting. Today’s entry is no exception.

I miss my friends, and like most veterans, I mourn their loss this weekend. They’d be cranky if we were sad, so instead rejoice in their lives and sacrifice. Have that barbecue, but remember them.

Lucius sat on the big flat-topped rock near the stream and contemplated his life.

He liked this spot, it was totally peaceful, full of the game birds he loved to hunt in years gone by, and a couple of swamp deer that wandered through the area now and again.

Next to him on the rock was his dog, Butthead. Butthead wasn’t overly smart, but he was loyal and stubborn, which had gained him his current name. He had started out life as Rufus. He was currently getting his ears scratched and slowly sweeping his tail back and forth across the surface of the rock.

Lucius turned his face to the sun and smiled. Some darned fine memories were sweeping through his head. He remembered the sixth-grade picnic where the softball game had ended in utter chaos as a big old bull alligator wandered through the left field.

Eighth grade was also a fine memory; he had stolen a moment alone with Kristal in the band room and they had kissed for the first time. He was hers alone from that moment on, and he looked up to see if she was here yet, he expected her pretty much any moment. His heart ached with the love he had for that woman.

High school had been a whirlwind of activity, marching band, basketball, even a spin on the Student Council when he was a senior. His grades were good, but something else was growing in his heart and college was put on hold.

College was a maybe, or perhaps working as an electrician like his daddy had been the thought on the day he enlisted in the Army. The recruiter said with his scores he could have any job he wanted. He settled on Aircraft Electrician, 15F, and signed the contract.

Lucius loved the Army, and truly enjoyed the schools they sent him to in earning his MOS of 15F.

He’d been working in his unit for just over two years when Iraq invaded Kuwait. They packed up and moved to Saudi Arabia in record time, arriving just before Desert Shield turned into Desert Storm. He put on his Sergeant Stripes in a ceremony held on the ramp before they got on the transport aircraft leaving the US.

Lucius was not part of the aircrew on a regular basis; his job was to fix the thing when it got back. But combat was taking airframes out, and one of the helicopters he was responsible for was acting cranky. He volunteered to fly along and see if he could spot the fault, a very intermittent one, on a “milk run” to pick up some prisoners and bring them back to the hospital.

He scratched Butthead’s nose a moment, and sighed. That’s where the memories ended. He’d always wondered about that part of the Bible where your earthly sorrows would be forgotten in Heaven. Turned out it was true.

Butthead shifted his bulk and barked at the approaching group of men. Men wearing the same uniform as Lucius, all of them in their early twenties just like him, except for the Warrant Officer who was older than dirt (31) when the helicopter was lost.

“Lucius, let’s get moving. It’s Memorial Day back home. We’ve got a pass to go and watch a parade and maybe have our annual beer. I know you don’t drink, but you can get a look at your family if you want.”

Lucius just shook his head. “Nope. I’m going to sit here quietly and wait for Kristal. Last year when I looked in on her she was pretty sick. I expect her along any time now. But thanks.”

The men walked on, vanishing as they hit the edge of the meadow, and that’s when Lucius smelled it: jalapeno cornbread. He turned toward the scent and there she was: Kristal with a pan of muffins just for him.

Heaven was now perfect for Lucius Kirkland.

Please remember our brothers and sisters on Memorial Day. They never had a chance to grow old because they gave their all for us.