Memorial Day Flash Fiction

I am sorry I haven't written in a week, I have been super busy getting ready for Thanksgiving and Small Business Saturday! So in saying this, I want to share with you a short flash fiction story I wrote earlier this year. I know the timing isn't right, but I never shared it with the world and thought I would share it with you guys! Enjoy :)

Picture found here

Children’s laughter fill the air with chattering heard all around. Excitement was in everyone’s voices as the parade was about to start. American flags were being waved in the air, along with drinks and food. Everyone was in shorts and t-shirts today, most of the colors were red, white, and blue. The yellow sun bored down on its subjects with its unending heat with little puffs of white clouds moving to and fro. But the people didn’t seem too noticed as the parade began.

Voices rose due to the exhilaration of the atmosphere. This was everyone’s favorite part as floats began to ride down the road, showing off their variety of creativity and color. People walked next to some floats, handing out candy, flyers, or coupons to the parade’s visitors. All of these floats saluted those who had paid the ultimate price for freedom for them to be there that day. 

Towards the middle of the parade, military members began marching in unison, forming perfect lines. These men and women were both active duty and veteran alike. Some were older than others, but they all were proud, heads held high. People’s voices rose to a shout in congratulations and gratitude for the services these men and women have done for them. Some saluted the members as they marched past.

But no one noticed the woman who watched towards the back of the crowd, silent tears running down her cheeks as she watched those men and women in uniform march. She knew the price that those service members made as she has experience that price herself. This was the first Memorial Day weekend that she experienced it alone. Her mind went back to the day when she got the call that her husband would not be coming back home, ever. 

This parade was a reminder that her freedom was not free; it came with a price and her husband paid it. No one around her knew of the sacrifice he made, but no one needed to – knowing what he did, even for her, was enough.

“Thank you,” she whispered as the last of the military members rounded the bend beyond her sight.