Great story!

Very touching and moving story.

Well done. Especially liked Klink's voice at the end. And that it was Carter (who else?) who originally brought it up. He would do that, yes.

Very touching story for Memorial Day. It's funny, here we also have a day specifically called Decoration Day. Not all of the Legions recognize it, but a lot of the smaller ones do. It's not unlike the ceremony you describe. Speeches, songs, parades, even wreath laying at a cenotaph. Very much like Remembrance Day. Some places even do it in lieu of Remembrance Day because the veterans are too old to march in November's cold and snow. How interesting to see the heroes take on it all.

We should always remember those who sacrificed all. Great (and profoundly touching) story; nice work!

This is a lovely, thoughtful piece, quiet but very powerful, especially the ending. Loved it.

A nice remembrance for Memorial Day. Thanks.

What a beautiful and well written story reminding us of the ultimate sacrifices many have made and to remember those currently serving. Klink's POV at the end was very powerful as well.

Well crafted and respectful, very appropriate for any day of rememberance. I like how you have Klink's POV at the end of the story, it's quite effective.

A wonderful, thoughtful story. Thanks for sharing.

What a lovely story to remind us of the sacrifices so many have given that we can be free. Thanks for reminding us of what is so easy to forget.

This was so beautiful. Even though Remembrance Day is not until November 11 for us her in Canada, I was just thinking today of a really amazing song my school sings for our ceremony( usually the day before or after because we have a day off). It's called 'homeland' by Sir Cecil spring-Rice. A touching reminder of those who gave their lives.

" They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old.

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun, and in the morning,

We will remember them."

- I'm not exactly sure what that's from, but we say it after every speech on Remembrance Day. I had to write it down.

Nice gesture and a perfect story for the weekend. Thanks for sharing.

Sue

A very touching story that is a kind of memorial in itself, particularly in its reminders of the many real wars and battles of the distant and (for them) more recent past that these characters from different places have links to. I found the switch to Klink's point of view at the end very apropos, with his own very poignant private moment of memorial as he watches the prisoners. I see your Olsen in this story is consistent with his appearance in "The Guys in the Back Row" (nice nod to Mr. Keillor once again) and in "A POW's Best Friend." Also, I appreciated the small moment of levity early on before the story turned fully serious, as LeBeau watches Newkirk but still misses the sleight of hand.

Thank you for this beautiful story.