Title: "In Remembrance"
Summary: Sorry, too short for a summary. Notes: The "Iron Hand" flights referred to are an actual fact. Pilots flew these dangerous missions during the Vietnam era to root out
and destroy SAM missile sites. They were mentioned in the third season cliffhanger - "To Russia With Love". These were the precursor to the Wild Weasel missions still used today to knock out SAM missile sites.
0450 Local
Big brown leaves were drifting down in the early morning glare of the sodium safety lights. A soft cool breeze sighed and played with the flowers and other memorabilia lined up along the long black granite scar.
A lone solitary figure made its way toward the Wall. The cadence of the steps indicated a person of military bearing. The silhouette confirmed it was indeed, a military person.
The steps slowed as the figure passed the Vietnam Women’s Memorial. They stopped to examine the statue of the three women tending to the wounded soldier.
Nodding inwardly, the figure slowly walked over to the second statue and studied the figures of the three soldiers looking over at the Wall for their missing comrades. The figure turned and faced the same direction they did, trying to see the wall through their eyes.
Again, satisfied with seeing everything possible from this vantage point, the figure slowly headed over to the Wall. Their steps were slow and measured. They started at the extreme left end of the wall and began walking down the lighted walkway.
They came to a stop at a certain point at the wall and stood for a long moment. Then a hand reached out and touched the cool granite.
They traced the name etched into the facing, fingers touching the dips and curves of each letter. The figure’s hand slowly drifted back down to their side.
A park ranger walked over to the figure and asked if there was anything needed – did they want an etching on this special day. The figure shook their head ‘no’ but thanked the park officer for his kindness. The silent vigil continued for several more minutes.
“Good morning Sir. I—I hope you can see it where you are, it really is a beautiful morning or at least, it will be when the sun rises.”
The figure looked at the ground unable to address the stone directly. “Uh , this is not going very well. I guess you’re wondering why I’m here…this morning.”
The figure sighed. They had practiced doing this a thousand times, they could do it in their sleep – or so they thought – until now.
It was much harder to do this, in person, so to speak.
The figure tried again. “I guess you’re wondering what I’m doing here today….” They found themselves trailing off, wondering if this was such a good idea after all.
The granite stood silently like a disapproving parent waiting for its explanation.
The figure squared its shoulders and looked directly at the imposing surface in front of it.
“You see, I’ve been working with your son for nine years now, and he is probably the best friend that I have in this world and I would do anything for him if he asked.”
“I went to Russia with him when he went to look for you; I went back to Russia when he went missing while helping investigate corruption in the Russia’s military. I guess you know he found your son—your other son there. They still talk on semi-regular basis.”
“He’s done so much for me that I could probably never repay him…I guess you also know how I feel about him. And you’re probably asking why I haven’t said it to him. I guess the best answer is circumstances and timing. We’re a victim of circumstances and timing. It’s our biggest hurdle.”
“Anyway, I just wanted to come by today and thank you for your valor and sacrifice. If it hadn’t been for your Iron Hand mission, many more pilots would have ended up in P.O.W. camps. I know it was hard for you but you can rest easy, in that gave us a man who is honest and dedicated to uncovering the truth, and someone who I consider to be my best friend and more.”
The female figure snapped a crisp salute to the silent Wall. The reflection cast by the sodium safety lights revealed a prim and proper looking Marine Lieutenant Colonel in her winter Class A uniform. Unnoticed by her, another military figure in a naval Class A uniform could be seen just off to the side, silently watching her.
Harm had heard it all and was deeply touched by her gesture. Rather than intruding on this private moment, he observed from a distance.
As she did a smart about face and left the Wall to its silent contemplation of her words, her retreating figure could be seen next to the name. ‘Harmon Rabb.’
--Fini
Author: TxJAG_b
Email: txjagbc1@yahoo.com
Rating: Pretty much G, I think.
Classification: Teeny bit of angst, but mostly honoring
those who should be honored.
Spoilers: Anything from 1 to 10.
Disclaimer: The characters in this story are the property of Donald Bellisario, Belisaurius Productions, Paramount Pictures and Columbia Broadcasting Service Entertainment – this story is for non-profit entertainment of JAG fans only. No copyright infringement is intended or implied.
The Vietnam Veteran’s War Memorial
Washington, D.C.
Postscript: Take a moment to honor those who give us the chance to live our lives in freedom. A few moments of your time are worth the sacrifice. And, if you see a veteran or an active duty solder today, stop and thank them.