Veteran's Day

          April rode across the rainy sidewalk that was littered with fallen leaves. She wore a tattered, blue spring jacket and it was already the start of November. It was Veteran's Day and April's tears could not stop flowing. She was frozen to the bone, but she did not seem to care.

          It was November 11, 1967 when she and her parents received the news that her youngest brother, Andrew, was killed in action in Vietnam. Both siblings were very close even though there was a five year age difference between them. He had always looked after his older sister. She should have been the one to do that job, but he stepped into the role of caregiver from the time he could walk. The reason he did this was because his older sister was in a wheelchair due to a severe case of cerebral palsy.

          Forty years and many Veteran's Days later, time has worn on April. Now sixty-four, she looked like she was ninety-four. The years were not her friend. She never married and never was a mother. She made herself the promise that she would not bring another male child into the world to march off to war and never to return. Her heart shattered on that day and she was unable to repair it to her satisfaction.

          Sitting in front of the Vietnam Memorial with the rain beating on her and her chair, April searched, in vain, for Andrew's name. She screamed in frustration and anger. Remembering the day when Andrew came home excited at what he had done, brought tears of dismay to her eyes.

         "Sis, I really did it. I joined the Marines. Now I can get money for college and study medicine. Soon, I will be able to find out what caused all of your problems and find a cure for everyone who may have your disease."

         "Andrew, how could you do such a thing? You are only nineteen years old and your life is just beginning. Not to mention the fact that Vietnam is in full swing. Mom and Dad are not going to be happy. I am furious with you."

         "Oh, Mom has to learn to let go and let me live my life. Dad will be proud of me. He served in World War II as a Sargeant in the Corps. Everything will be fine. You will see. Do not worry about me. I can take care of myself."

          Just as the siblings were hugging, their parents, Paul and Virginia entered the kitchen. Andrew straightened up to look his parents in their eyes and swallowed hard before he told them something they never expected.

         "Mom, Dad, I signed up. I am going to be a Marine. I have to leave for my physical next Monday."

         Both Paul and Virginia looked at each other and then looked at their only son. Readying himself for the storm that was about to ensue, Andrew stood silent. It was Paul who spoke first.

         "Son, I realize that you want to do this, but we are afraid for you. All that I ask is that you watch your back and stay low. I wish you were going to college. If you were a student, then you would be deferred.