This was the first and last time he would be at this campsite alone he thought to himself as he woke up.
It was independence day and the sun was shining through the leaves of the trees. There was a crispness to the air and a stillness to their camp.
Today was a day for him to reflect on the past. He would pay his respect in his own way to those that fought with him all those years ago.
The camp was deep in the mountains at the end of a long pathway off of one of the main trails. It was far from the celibrations and the sounds of the fireworks.
He was the last remaining man from his platoon and the last of the five brothers that survived the battle.
The five made a pact to return to this camp every year until only one was left to honor those that paid the ultimate price for freedom.
He knew he had choices to make after this day was over. But as he read the names of his fallen brothers with a shot glass held high he knew he would stand united in his resolve to continue on the tradition for them for as many more years as the Lord would permit.
