in memorial

R, who crashed into the side of a mountain in Albania: I remember you.

S, who was set on fire in Lashkar Gah: I remember you.

J, who was executed by Talibs in Kandahar: I remember you.

R, who was shot through the head on his knees in the Iraqi desert: I remember you.

J.B., who died of cancer after years of service near radioactive equipment: I remember you.

T, who was captured, and came home: I remember you. I am so glad you are safe.

C, who was killed by an Iraqi IED, who was pieced back together by her boyfriend in order to be buried with full military honors: I remember you.

My grandfather Paul and my grandmother Bess: I remember you both.

B, J, and myself, even us, yes- with our jaws set tight and our nightmares hidden, our secret tears: I remember us, too.

That nameless soldier, you know who you are. I remember you. And your friend, too. I remember you both every day, with every breath I take.

I remember. I remember. I fucking remember you all.